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 the title: ‘The Honourable Augustus Keppel Admiral of the Blue Squadron of His Majesties Fleet.’ Also lettered with the production details and publication line: ‘J. Reynolds Pinx. London: Printed for John Bowles at No. 13 in Cornhill’. This print was published by John Bowles sometimes in the late 1770s but it is based on an older plate. The portrait was initially engraved by Edward Fisher in 1760 after an original painting by Joshua Reynolds (see PAF3462). However, Bowles has replaced the inscription on Fisher’s version of the print, which referred to Keppel’s service at the Battle of Quiberon Bay in November 1759, with a new caption, which describes the sitter as ‘Admiral of the Blue’ – a rank he obtained in January 1778. This version of the print therefore postdates January 1778. Its publication was probably associated with the widespread public interest in Keppel after he commanded the British fleet at the Battle of Ushant in July 1778. The result of this battle was inconclusive, giving rise to a bitter and highly public dispute between Keppel and his second-in-command Hugh Palliser over what had gone wrong. The whole affair was politically charged, for Keppel had the support of the opposition Whigs whereas Palliser was backed by the Tory government. The dispute culminated in Keppel being court-martialled. His trial generated massive public support for the opposition and his acquittal in February 1779 was greeted with widespread popular celebrations. Many portraits of the admiral were printed in this period, catering to a public demand for Keppel memorabilia. This print was probably published in this period. Saving time, money and energy, the reuse of an old plate had obvious advantages, especially for publishers eager to profit from Keppel’s sudden popularity. (Updated April 2019.)