Philip Reinagle
, British, 1749-1833
Title
Portrait of Captain William Congreve with his Son WilliamDatec.1782
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions
81 x 106 cm
Credit LinePurchased, 1951
Object numberNGI.1213
ProvenancePurchased, Private Collection, 1951
Label TextCaptain William Congreve (1741-1814) fought in the American War of Independence. He was noted for his skill in moving artillery over rough terrain without causing damage to equipment or injury to men. On his return to England, George III ordered him to instruct members of the Royal Regiment of Artillery. In this portrait, Congreve is shown leaning against an eight-pounder cannon which derived from Allan Ramsay’s state portrait of the King. Reinagle was Ramsay’s assistant for many years and charged six guineas for portraits of this type.