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Notes

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In creating his picture of the Siege of Gibraltar, an event of considerable strategic significance to Britain, the artist, George Carter, took particular trouble to make it as true to life as possible. He travelled to ‘The Rock’ to make portrait studies from life of all the principal officers, as well as the topography, and took advice about the action from Sir Roger Curtis (commander of the marine brigade).

This key to the portraits was intended as an important adjunct to the final painting, to enhance its standing as a realistic contemporary record of the most dramatic part of the action. However, the important City of London commission for a large commemorative painting of the siege went to George Carter’s rival, the American artist, John Singleton Copley (Guildhall Art Gallery).

National Army Museum

London

Title

Key to the Portraits of General Eliott and His Officers in the Painting of the Siege of Gibraltar, 14 September 1782

Date

1784

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 46.6 x W 135.9 cm

Accession number

NAM. 1996-07-108

Acquisition method

purchased from the Army Museums Ogilby Trust with aid from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Society of Friends of the National Army Museum, the Art Fund, the Esmée Fairbairn Charitable Trust and the Mercers’ Company, 1996

Work type

Painting

National Army Museum

Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, Greater London SW3 4HT England

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Artist or maker

George Carter

1737–1795

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