A three-quarter-length portrait of Augustus Keppel (1725–1786) in captain’s undress uniform, 1748–1767, with his hat under his left arm and holding a cane in his right hand. There is an ivy-covered cliff on the right and the sea on the left. Lettered beneath the image with Keppel’s coat of arms and the title: ‘The Honourable Augustus Keppel. Commander of His Majesty’s Ship the Torbay on the 20th Nov. 1759.’ Also lettered with the production details – ‘J. Reynolds pinxt. 1760. E. Fisher fecit 1760.’ – and the publication line: ‘Sold by Edwd. Fisher at Mr Deering’s Floor Cloth Warehouse in Newport Street Long Acre.’ The price is on the right: ‘Pr. 5d.’ This portrait was engraved in mezzotint by Edward Fisher after an original painting by Joshua Reynolds, which is currently owned by Lord Falmouth. According to David Mannings’ catalogue raisonné, Reynolds’s painting was probably largely completed in 1759, although Fisher gives the date ‘1760’ on this print. The print’s inscription refers to the Battle of Quiberon Bay on 20 November 1759, at which Keppel commanded the ‘Torbay’, 74 guns. During the battle, the ‘Torbay’ attacked the French ship ‘Thesée’, 74 guns, which abruptly foundered. Keppel sent out boats to rescue the French survivors. Keppel was close friends with Reynolds, who painted his portraits many times. (Updated April 2019).