Lot 38: Thomas Day , c. 1732 - c. 1807 Portrait of Commodore Edward Thompson (1738-1786)

wearing a blue uniform with white and gold braid, gold and enamel frame circa 1782

4 by 3.3 cm.; 1 5/8 by 1 5/16 in.

Anonymous sale, Christie's London, 21 March 1978, lot 12

Edward Thompson was the son of a merchant from Hull. He was educated at Beverley and Hampstead before joining the Navy in around 1755. He enjoyed an eventful career, where he not only served in the Caribbean and off the Coast of West Africa, but was also court-martialled and acquitted twice. Alongside his naval activities, he pursued a career as a poet and playwright. Described as 'an agreeable and gentlemanlike companion', he was known throughout the Navy, due to his reputation as a wit, as well as his literary achievements in London society, as 'Poet Thompson'.

A fractionally larger version of this miniature by Day, signed and dated 1782, was sold in these Rooms, 24 October 1988, lot 291.