Captain George Johnstone (1730-1787)

A half-length portrait to left in captain’s uniform. Although bald, Johnstone does not wear a wig. He appears to be gesturing with his right finger on his left thumb.

This is from an original portrait by Henry Raeburn which was painted 1768-74 and also an enlargement from a miniature of the Henry Raeburn by John Bogle.

In 1747 Johnstone reportedly duelled with Captain Cruikshank and wounded him. Ten years later he killed the captain’s clerk in a duel and was courtsmartialled for insubordination. In 1763 he was appointed governor of West Florida. He returned home in 1768 and went into Parliament ‘where his total want of fear and his adroitness with a pistol made him a useful addition to his party.’ After 19 years ashore he was given command of a small expedition against the Cape of Good Hope.

Object Details

ID: BHC2808
Collection: Fine art
Type: Painting
Display location: Not on display
Creator: British School, 18th century
Date made: 18th century
People: Johnstone, George
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Frame: 1175 mm x 932 mm x 80 mm;Painting: 915 mm x 710 mm
Close

Your Request

If an item is shown as “offsite”, please allow eight days for your order to be processed. For further information, please contact Archive staff:

Email:
Tel: (during Library opening hours)

Click “Continue” below to continue processing your order with the Library team.

Continue