The British Naval Victors

1 portrait of John Jervis, Earl of St Vincent

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© National Portrait Gallery, London

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The British Naval Victors

by Valentine Green, after Gainsborough Dupont, and after Francis Cotes, and after Richard Morton Paye, and after Lemuel Francis Abbott
mezzotint, published 1799
25 1/4 in. x 20 1/8 in. (640 mm x 510 mm) plate size; 25 5/8 in. x 20 7/8 in. (650 mm x 530 mm) paper size
Reference Collection
NPG D11103

Sittersback to top

Artistsback to top

  • Lemuel Francis Abbott (circa 1760-1802), Portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 78 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
  • Francis Cotes (1726-1770), Portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 89 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
  • Gainsborough Dupont (1754-1797), Painter and mezzotint engraver. Artist or producer associated with 11 portraits, Sitter in 2 portraits.
  • Valentine Green (1739-1813), Mezzotint engraver. Artist or producer associated with 149 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.
  • Richard Morton Paye (baptised 1750-1821), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 3 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This mezzotint by Valentine Green is dedicated to the King and celebrates Britain's longstanding naval supremacy under the watchful eye of God (seen on the top margin). Likenesses of the heroes Lord Nelson, the Earl of St Vincent, Earl Howe and Viscount Duncan, taken from popular contemporary paintings, are set among flourishing oak trees: the traditional symbol of steadfast England. The print is ornamented with elaborate swags of drapery commemorating the details of their glorious victories against the French between 1794 and 1798. Green had been official Mezzotint Engraver to George III since 1775, enjoying not only royal favour but also considerable commercial success through the production of such memorabilia.

Events of 1799back to top

Current affairs

The Prince of Wales is reconciled with his secret wife Maria Fitzherbert.
Corresponding Societies Act is passed prohibiting certain named political groups including the radical London Corresponding Society and the United Irishmen.

Art and science

The Swiss artist Henry Fuseli, resident in England since 1778, is appointed Professor of Painting at the Royal Academy.
The conservative educator Hannah More publishes her Strictures on Female Education which criticised demands for women's rights while proposing an active role for them within religious and moral movements.

International

Successful defence of Acre in the Levant is led by William Sidney Smith.
British expedition to Holland, led by General Ralph Abercromby, ends in evacuation after allies defeated at Battle of Bergen-op-Zoom.
Fall of the ruling Directory in France. Napoleon seizes power.
The Rosetta Stone is discovered in Egypt.

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