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Lord Heathfield of Gibraltar

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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General George Augustus Eliott, later Lord Heathfield (1770–90) defended the British territory of Gibraltar against a long siege by the Spanish and their French allies, which ended on 13 September 1782. Reynolds captures the moment of danger before the General’s triumph at Gibraltar. He holds a giant key symbolising the ‘key of Gibraltar’ which he refuses to give up to the Spanish. Standing on the rock against a backdrop of billowing black smoke, Heathfield gazes steadfastly into the distance. The portrait was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1787 and an engraving was made of it soon after to capitalise on Heathfield’s fame. Other artists have always particularly admired this portrait for Heathfield’s indomitable expression. Within 20 years of being painted, the portrait was already in poor condition.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Lord Heathfield of Gibraltar

Date

1787

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 142 x W 113.5 cm

Accession number

NG111

Acquisition method

Bought, 1824

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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