JAMES NORTHCOTE

JAMES NORTHCOTE, RA (1746-1831) PORTRAIT OF CAPTAIN SAMUEL BROOKING, RN seated half length in uniform, a ship beyond, signed and dated Js Northcote pinxt 1803, the hilt of the sword inscribed Presented to Capt Brooking by the House of Assembly of Jamaica, oil on canvas, 89 x 75.5cm, Maratta frameProvenance: The sitter; thence by descent to the vendor.Literature: The account book of James Northcote, No 401 (transcribed for the Walpole Society,1995 6 Vol LVIII, p76); Gwynn, No 382.Rear Admiral Samuel Brooking, RN (1754-1854) was born at Newton Ferrers, Devon. He went to sea aged 12 and was commissioned Lieutenant in 1778. From 1795 he was stationed at Jamaica, protecting British merchant convoys from attack by the French. On his return in 1799 he was presented with a sword of one hundred guineas value by the Jamaica House of Assembly. It it this sword he is wearing in the Northcote's portrait.This picture is recorded in Northcote's account book, page 23B, under Pictures painted in the Year 1803, No 401 Portrait of Capt Sam. Brooking Copy Sixteen Guineas. The picture is described in detail under the preceding entry (No 400; Collection Peter Dale) for which Northcote charged his usual fee of twenty guineas. It was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1803, No 40 and engraved the same year (as a head and shoulders portrait) by William Ridley (see following lot). Northcote noted that both pictures were paid for on April 5 1803.