An oval bust-length portrait of Robert Faulknor (1763–1795) in captain’s full-dress uniform, 1787–95. The portrait is set in a fictive frame decorated with oak leaves and surrounded by naval trophies, including an anchor, flags, a cannon (with chain shot), drums and a sword. A glowing laurel crown is suspended in the sky above the portrait. Beneath the portrait, a fictive stone tablet is inscribed with a dedication to Admiral Samuel Barrington: ‘To the Honble. Samuel Barrington Admiral of the Blue &c. This portrait of an officer whose gallant conduct has done so much credit to your early patronage is most respectfully dedicated by sir your most devoted human servant James Roberts.’ Lettered beneath the image with the title, ‘Robert Faulknor Esq.’, and publication details: ‘James Roberts (Portrait Painter to His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence) pinxit / H. D. Gardner Sculpsit / Published as the Act directs May 20 1795, by James Roberts, Duke Street, Westminster.’ This print was engraved by H. D. Gardner after a design by James Roberts, who also published the print. Roberts’s design was intended as a posthumous tribute to the sitter, who was killed in action on 5 January 1795. Faulknor came from long line of naval officers. He studied at the Naval Academy, Portsmouth, between 1774 and 1777, before joining the ‘Isis’, 50 guns, under the command of Captain William Cornwallis. The ‘Isis’ was part of the British fleet led by Samuel Barrington which captured in St Lucia in December 1778. Faulknor passed for lieutenant in December 1780. He served in the ‘Britannia’, 98 guns, at the Battle of Cape Spartel in 1782, again under Barrington’s command. The dedication on this print refers to Barrington’s patronage of Faulknor during his early career. Faulknor made commander in November 1790 and captain in March 1794. In May 1794, he took command of the ‘Blanche’, 32 guns. On 5 January 1795, the ‘Blanche’ captured the French frigate ‘Pique’, 32 guns, in a violent single ship action, in the course of which Faulknor was killed. For a representation of this engagement, see BHC0478. Parliament later voted to erect a monument in his honour in St. Paul’s Cathedral. (Updated April 2019.)