Figurine of Keppel

Full-length figure of a naval officer wearing the uniform of a Royal Navy captain over three years, of the 1767-74 pattern. The figure is thought to represent Admiral Augustus Keppel (1725-86).

The figure wears a uniform coat coloured blue with white and gold lapels and cuffs, pale yellow breeches, white stockings, black buckle shoes and a white waistcoat decorated in gold. He stands with his right arm across his body holding a scroll. Behind his left leg is a white plinth bearing a caduceus in relief, on top of which are what appears to be a representation of two boat bows and a purple cap. Beside the plinth is a gun with a flag on a flagpole draped over it, together with an anchor, the rope of which is arranged in a coil. The shaped base has reeding and gold borders, and two putti by Keppel's right leg. One sits on the edge of the base blowing a shell, with a fishing net over his knees, the other stands behind him holding a scroll (wings missing).

Object Details

ID: ZBA4291
Collection: Decorative art
Type: Figurine
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Derby
Date made: 1767-1770; 1767-70
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 300 mm x 140 mm x 100 mm