A three-quarter-length portrait of William Rowley (c. 1690–1768) in a velvet coat with a sword belt and a wig. Rowley holds a baton of command and leans on a cannon in front of a rocky cliff and a naval engagement. Lettered beneath the image with the title: ‘The Honble William Rowley Esq. Vice Admiral of the White and Commander in Chief of his Majesty’s Fleet in the Mediterranean 1745.’ Also lettered with the production details and publication line: ‘J. Brooks Fecit. Sold by T. Jefferys at the Corner of St Martins Lane Charing Cross and W. Herbert at the Golden Globe on London Bridge.’ This portrait was engraved by John Brooks. The print’s inscription refers to Rowley’s service as commander-in-chief of the Mediterranean fleet, a role he held from August 1744 until July 1745 when he was recalled to England after the House of Commons censured the proceedings of the court martial on Captain Richard Norris, over which Rowley had presided, as ‘arbitrary, partial, and illegal’. After this controversy, Rowley had no further employment at sea, although he continued to be promoted through the ranks. The inscription on this print describes Rowley as vice-admiral of the white, which he was between April 1745 and July 1747. There is no date on the print but it seems likely that it was produced sometime in this period (1745–1747), especially as Rowley does not wear the official naval uniform which was introduced for officers in April 1748. (Updated April 2019).