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Vice-Admiral Skeffington Lutwidge (1736-1814), c.1795-96 (watercolour, ivory, human hair, gold, glass)
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Vice-Admiral Skeffington Lutwidge (1736-1814), c.1795-96 (watercolour, ivory, human hair, gold, glass)
7340102 Vice-Admiral Skeffington Lutwidge (1736-1814), c.1795-96 (watercolour, ivory, human hair, gold, glass) by Jean, Philip (1755-1802) (attr.to); 6.7x5.5 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: attributed to Philippe Jean
An oval miniature in watercolour on ivory, in an oval gilt metal suspension frame. The glazed back contains a plait of light brown hair surrounding an inner gilt band enclosing a finely made gold fouled anchor above an elaborate SL gold filigree monogram, on a dark blue glass ground. The sitter is shown head and shoulders, half turned to his left but looking out to the viewer, against a pale sky background. He wears flag-officer's undress uniform of 1795-1812, with the two stars of a vice-admiral on the visible right epaulette. He has grey (probably powdered), hair with a black queue ribbon visible and blue eyes. Lutwidge's father, Thomas (1670-1746), was a notable figure in the tobacco trade in the port of Whitehaven, Cumbria. His son was commissioned lieutenant on 15 August 1759, during the Seven Years War, and as master and commander in the Carcass from June 1771 is now largely remembered for being captain to the young Midshipman Nelson, who acted as his coxswain, on Constantine Phipps's Spitsbergen expedition of 1773. As such he is reported as the source of the famous story of Nelson's hare-brained attempt to shoot a polar bear, though Nelson thereafter held him in warm regard and they had later professional and social contact from 1801, when Lutwidge was flag officer in the Downs (off Deal, Kent). He was promoted to captain in October 1773, and in the frigate Triton played an active part in the War of American Independence from 1775, including in Rodney's Moonlight Action against the Spaniards off Cape St Vincent in January 1780, before moving briefly to the Yarmouth and later the Perseverance, in which he remained until the war ended. In 1786 he commanded the Scipio, guardship in the Medway, and in 1792 took command of the Terrible in which he joined Hood on the Toulon expedition at the start of the French Revolutionary War in 1793, Nelson was also a captain on this. He became a rear-admiral in April 1794 and a vice-admiral in June 1795, serving as flag-officer at the Nore from 1797 until 1799. He became Admiral of the Blue from 1 January 1801, when in the Downs command. On 9 November 1805, the day the news of Trafalgar broke in England, he was promoted Admiral of the White and, finally, of the Red in 1810. He died on 16 August 1814, aged 78, the day after the 55th anniversary of his first commission as lieutenant, at his home, Holmrook Hall, Cumbria, which he had purchased from his nephew Charles Dodgson, the grandfather of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson ('Lewis Carroll'). He was buried with his wife Catherine (nee Bateson), who predeceased him, at St Paul's, Irton, where his nephew and heir Major S. Lutwidge erected a memorial to them. This miniature, formerly in the Malcolm Stewart Collection, is provisionally attributed to Philippe Jean (1755-1802), in the pre-existing record. Jean was of French family but born in Jersey. He served in the Navy, including (like Lutwidge), under Rodney, though also practising as a miniaturist in peacetime before he took it up permanently in London. He then had considerable success, including royal patronage, and exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1787 to 1802. Very few of his RA subjects are identifiably naval, though they included two miniatures of Admiral de Saumarez, also a Channel Islander from Guernsey. If this item was painted to mark Lutwidge's promotion to vice-admiral, however, which exactly coincided with introduction of the new Naval uniform in June 1795 (the first with epaulettes), it might be the sole example that Jean exhibited under the title Portrait of a naval officer, in 1796.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38515864
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisite miniature portrait captures the distinguished Vice-Admiral Skeffington Lutwidge in all his naval glory. Painted around 1795-96 by Philippe Jean, this watercolour on ivory piece is a true masterpiece of its time. The intricate details of Lutwidge's flag-officer undress uniform, complete with the two stars of a vice-admiral on his epaulette, showcase the artist's skill and attention to detail.
The background of the portrait features a pale sky, allowing the viewer to focus solely on Lutwidge's commanding presence. His grey hair, likely powdered, and piercing blue eyes add to his air of authority and experience. The inclusion of an elaborate 'SL' gold filigree monogram further personalizes this intimate portrait.
Lutwidge's impressive naval career is highlighted in this painting - from serving as captain to a young Midshipman Nelson during an expedition in 1773 to his promotion as Admiral of the Red in 1810. His legacy lives on through stories like Nelson's hare-brained attempt to shoot a polar bear under his command.
Displayed at the National Maritime Museum in London, this rare portrait not only commemorates Vice-Admiral Skeffington Lutwidge but also serves as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of Philippe Jean. It is truly a timeless piece that captures a moment in history when bravery and leadership reigned supreme on the high seas.
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