Lot 56: Philip Jean (British, 1755-1802) A Gentleman, probably James Saumarez, 1st Baron de Saumarez (1757-1836), wearing brown coat, gold figured turquoise waistcoat and white lace cravat

A Gentleman, probably James Saumarez, 1st Baron de Saumarez (1757-1836), wearing brown coat, gold figured turquoise waistcoat and white lace cravat.
Signed on the obverse with initials and dated PJ/ 1785, converted gold bracelet mount.
Oval, 40mm (1 9/16in) high

Jean appears to have painted James Saumarez on several occasions, including a portrait dated the same year of him wearing a green jacket (Private Collection) and in full naval uniform in 1801 (National Portrait Gallery).

The present lot was painted during the years of naval peace after the Battle of the Saints, when Saumarez divided his time between Exeter and Guernsey. Portrayed here at the age of 28, wearing civilian clothing, he had already fought in three general actions; the attack of Charleston; the Battle of Dogger Bank; and the Battle of the Saintes. He went on to participate in the Battle of Cape St Vincent and was second in command to Nelson at the Battle of the Nile.

Jean also painted Saumarez's future wife, Martha le Marchant, whom he married in 1788.