A full-length, almost full-face (very slightly to the right) portrait showing Parkinson seated cross-legged in a red striped armchair, wearing a black, cutaway coat and trousers with a white waistcoat. On the left is a table with a cup and saucer and a gold brocade curtain.
William Stanway Parkinson was promoted lieutenant in 1794. He was first lieutenant of the ‘Vanguard’, 74 guns, Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of the Nile. He later commanded the ship and was, shortly after, promoted post in 1808.