The Greenwich Pensioner

A Greenwich Pensioner, probably a Hospital Boatswain from his laced cuff, seated in a carved chair by a table, filling his 'chalk' (clay pipe) from a rectangular tobacco box. On the table are a tankard of ale, a newspaper and his glasses, implying a tavern setting. The original print bears title, as above, below the image and a dedicatory inscription by the publisher (Jenkins) to Admiral Sir Richard Keats, Governor of Greenwich Hospital at the time it was engraved, set round his arms.

Michael Sharp (d. 1840) was a popular portrait and subject painter, and Academy exhibitor, much of whose work was engraved. The Museum has a large oil painting by him, 'Landing at Dover from the Steam Packet' (BHC1791).

Object Details

ID: PAH3304
Collection: Fine art
Type: Print
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Jackson, Peter; Jenkins, J. Sharp, Michael William
Date made: 1829
People: Greenwich Pensioner
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Sheet: 225 x 174 mm; Mount: 555 mm x 407 mm