Design for a tympanum for Greenwich Hospital; the Immortality of Earl Howe

Pen, ink and wash drawing commemorating Admiral Earl Howe, his relief of Gibraltar in 1782 and the Battle of 1 June 1794, in the form of a sculptural tympanum for the Queen Mary Courtyard pediment of Greenwich Hospital. It consists of a standing uniformed figure of Howe being crowned, from viewer's left, by Fame with two laurel wreaths. To the right inscriptions commemorate the two events above a further tablet alluding (illegibly) to Howe himself. Figure groups flank either side and the drawing is signed and dated 'B.West 1812'.

The design, commissioned by the Hospital Directors, was never executed but is the pair to the 'Immortality of Nelson' tympanum (PAJ3117) which was and remains in situ in the King William Courtyard.

Object Details

ID: PAJ3118
Type: Drawing
Display location: Not on display
Creator: West, Benjamin
Date made: 1810-12; 1812
People: West, Benjamin
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Greenwich Hospital Collection
Measurements: Image: 340 x 1760 mm