George Henry Harlow
(English, 1787-1819)
Captain John Robinson Francklin, circa 1805-1815
Oil on canvas
30" x 25"

An oil portrait executed by George Henry Harlow, the esteemed portrait painter of the English Romantic period. Harlow began his career as a portrait artist in the studios of Samuel Drummond and Sir Thomas Lawrence. A headstrong temperament led to a fracture in his relationship with Lawrence, but his personal charm and immense talent led to a very fruitful career, popular in society if not always on good terms with the Royal Academy. Sadly, just as Harlow entered his mature period, his life ended prematurely at the age of 31 to an untreated glandular infection. (Source: Dictionary of National Biographies)

The sitter for the portrait is identified by the tag to the reverse as John Robinson Francklin, the longtime captain of vessels including the Herculean (built 1799), the Alexander (built 1803), the Northumberland (built 1805), and the Windsor (built 1818). Many of Captain Francklin's voyages (also sometimes styled as "Franklin") were in the service of the British East India Company.

A partially torn paper tag from the period affixed to the reverse of the original strainer is inscribed in cursive: "Captain John Robinson Francklin, Son of Michael Francklin, Leah [Gurmon?] of Nova Scotia, Born July 15, 1774 / Pai--- ... Harlow." The painting is presented in a 19th century frame-- possibly original to the piece-- measuring 32 3/4" x 27 1/2".

The oil is in good and stable condition, particularly considering the age. The canvas was mounted onto board, possibly in the middle 20th century, with a second canvas backing that board as well. Original stretcher present. Observation under blacklight reveals some old restoration work, including a bit of over-painting/ in-painting, mostly in the areas surrounding the sitter-- the face appears untouched.