Old Masters, British & European Paintings - 4th September 2024
Lot 699
William Porter (act.1788-1802)
Estimate £200 - £300 | Hammer £2394
Inc. Buyers Premium
Description
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.