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Captain Sir John Franklin, 1786 - 1847, c.1830 (watercolour, with graphite and gum arabic, heightened with white)
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Captain Sir John Franklin, 1786 - 1847, c.1830 (watercolour, with graphite and gum arabic, heightened with white)
7342400 Captain Sir John Franklin, 1786 - 1847, c.1830 (watercolour, with graphite and gum arabic, heightened with white) by Derby, William (1786-1847); 22.2x18.1 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: William Derby
Half-length watercolour portrait, bareheaded and facing the viewer against a low-toned clouded sky background. He is leaning slightly to his right on an unseen support, with his right elbow crooked and the hand just visible in front of his waist. He is wearing the 1827 captain's uniform with the blue three-point sleeve slash, white cuff and white in the collar. A pencil inscription on the sheet below the image reads Sir John Franklin / Drawn from Life by Wm Derby and it is probably that done for an engraving by James Thompson, first published by Fisher in 1830 (PAD3554) and later reissued (e.g. PAD3555 dated 1840). It was presented to Greenwich Hospital for the Naval Gallery in the Painted Hall in 1865, by Henry Graves (probably the printseller and publisher, 1806-92). The Gallery then held the Franklin expedition relics recovered in the 1850s, including the document confirming Franklin's death in 1847.
The artist, Derby, was Franklin's exact contemporary (1786-47) and a well known watercolourist, miniaturist and oil portrait painter who exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1811 to 1837 and elsewhere. He did a great deal of portrait work for engraving.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38177292
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning watercolour portrait captures the distinguished figure of Captain Sir John Franklin, a renowned explorer who met his tragic end during an ill-fated Arctic expedition. Painted around 1830 by William Derby, a talented artist known for his detailed and lifelike portraits, this image showcases Franklin in his captain's uniform, exuding authority and confidence.
Franklin is depicted bareheaded against a subtle sky background, leaning slightly to his right with one hand elegantly positioned in front of him. The intricate details of his uniform - from the blue three-point sleeve slash to the white cuff and collar - are meticulously rendered, highlighting the artist's skillful technique.
The inscription below the image reveals that this portrait was drawn from life by Derby himself, likely intended for an engraving by James Thompson. It was later presented to Greenwich Hospital for their Naval Gallery in the Painted Hall as part of a collection commemorating Franklin's expedition relics.
Overall, this portrait not only serves as a visual record of Captain Sir John Franklin but also pays homage to both his legacy as an explorer and the artistic talent of William Derby. It stands as a timeless tribute to a man whose adventurous spirit continues to inspire generations.
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