William Porter (act.1788-1802)

William Porter (act.1788-1802)
Portrait of Midshipman (later Commander) Thomas Palmer, half-length, wearing a blue coat and white waistcoat
Inscribed The Gift/of Thos Palmer to/Mary Palmer done/by Mr Porter at Barton/March 1788 (to label)
Pastel, oval
27.6 x 21.3cm; 10¾ x 8½in

Provenance:
By descent from the sitter

Literature:
Neil Jeffares, "William Porter", Dictionary of pastellists before 1800, online edition, accessed 30/07/2024, no.J.5992.1105

The sitter was part of the crew of HMS Unicorn, which captured the French frigate Tribune in 1796 (see lot 877). It is believed that he was entrusted with taking the seized ship back to Portsmouth. He later went on to command HMS Selby.