Portrait of a gentleman, probably James Saumarez, 1st Baron de Saumerez (1757-1836) 1785

Philip Jean (1755-1802)

Watercolour on ivory

Oval, height 1 ¾ inches; 4.4 cm

Inscriptions:

Signed with initials and dated 'PJ/ 1785'

Philip Jean, an ex-naval officer himself, appears to have painted James Saumarez several times, including another portrait of him in a green jacket also dated 1785 (Private Collection) and in full naval uniform in 1801 (National Portrait Gallery).

This early portrait miniature of the well-known naval commander was painted during the years of naval peace after the battle of The Saints, when he divided his time between his homes in Exeter and Guernsey. It must have been during his residence in Guernsey in 1785 that he was painted by Jean. Portrayed here at the age of 28, wearing civilian clothing, it is incredible that this young man had already fought in three general actions; Nelson, three years his senior, had commanded only frigates and had seen no fleet action. Possibly suffering from depression or some other psychiatric problem, Saumarez busied himself with charity work, a lifetime interest of his and one that he pursued vigorously. Jean also painted Saumarez’s future wife, Martha le Marchant, whom he married in 1788.