Art UK has updated its cookies policy. By using this website you are agreeing to the use of cookies. To find out more read our updated Use of Cookies policy and our updated Privacy policy.

John Jervis, Earl of St Vincent

Image credit: National Portrait Gallery, London

How you can use this image

This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).

Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.

The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

Admiral. Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean (1795), blockading the French fleet at Toulon; he defeated the Spanish off Cape St Vincent (1797). As First Lord of the Admiralty (1801–1804), his ruthless reforms reduced corruption in the administration of the Navy.

This portrait of c.1795 shows John Jervis, Earl of St Vincent in the newly-designed naval full-dress uniform. Already a distinguished admiral, his greatest victory at the Battle of St Vincent (1797) was, however, yet to come. The close-up format and his fresh, ruddy complexion lend the painting an air of frankness and candour. He was known for his blunt style of command and shows none of the heroic airs often adopted on such occasions. This portrait was probably painted during the few months leave he spent in England before taking up his post in the Mediterranean as Commander-in-Chief.

National Portrait Gallery, London

London

Title

John Jervis, Earl of St Vincent

Date

c.1795

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 60.3 x W 50.8 cm

Accession number

936

Acquisition method

Purchased, 1892

Work type

Painting

Tags

See a tag that’s incorrect or offensive? Challenge it and notify Art UK.

Help improve Art UK. Tag artworks and verify existing tags by joining the Tagger community.

National Portrait Gallery, London

St Martin’s Place, London, Greater London WC2H 0HE England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.
View venue