Home > Animals > Fishes > S > Sergeant Major
Rear-Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort (1774-1857), 1855-56 (oil on canvas)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Fine Art Finder
Rear-Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort (1774-1857), 1855-56 (oil on canvas)
7337837 Rear-Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort (1774-1857), 1855-56 (oil on canvas) by Pearce, Stephen (1819-1904); 127.5x102 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Stephen Pearce
Beaufort was seventy-six when he sat for Pearce in 1850 and the general impression of this image is of a commanding and self-possessed man of science, still fully a leader in his field despite his advanced years.
Beaufort was son of a notable amateur geographer, the Reverend Daniel Augustus Beaufort. He went to sea in the East India Company in 1789, suffering shipwreck before entering the Navy in 1790 and becoming a Royal Naval lieutenant in 1796. He had a gallant and active early career, in which he took part in a number of actions and was badly wounded. However, having a sound education which his own efforts improved, he also turned early to hydrography. As a commander he surveyed the entrance to the River Plate in 1807 and, as a captain from 1810, the coast of southern Turkey (1811-1812), publishing the results in 1817. He became Hydrographer of the Navy in 1829 and retired in 1855, aged 81. In that time he exerted a huge influence on the development of naval hydrography and exploration, and made British Admiralty charts the standard of comparison for the rest of the world. His record was prodigious, both in quality and output. An average of 68 new charts a year were published during his tenure and he became a figure of both national and international repute in the field, though most generally remembered today for his Beaufort Scale of wind speeds, measured in 'forces' on a scale of one to ten.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38104308
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
19th Century Fashion Amred Forces Brigadier Captain Military Colonel Corporal Desk Lieutenant Major Marines Maritime Force Military Officer Naval Force Naval Infantry Oil On Wood Oil Painting Private Sat Down Sergeant Waistcoat Writing Desk
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Fishes
> S
> Sergeant Major
> Arts
> Artists
> P
> Stephen Pearce
> Arts
> Still life artwork
> Oil paintings
> Portrait paintings
> Asia
> East Timor
> Related Images
> Asia
> Turkey
> Related Images
> Europe
> Republic of Ireland
> Paintings
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Art
> Paintings
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> Greenwich
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Fashion
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> British Museum
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> Stephen Pearce
EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking portrait captures Rear-Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort in all his commanding glory, painted by artist Stephen Pearce in 1855-56. At the age of seventy-six, Beaufort exudes a sense of wisdom and authority, a leader in his field despite his advanced years.
Born into a family with a passion for geography, Beaufort's own career led him to the sea at a young age. From surviving shipwrecks to rising through the ranks of the Royal Navy, he distinguished himself not only as a brave officer but also as an accomplished hydrographer.
As Hydrographer of the Navy from 1829 until his retirement in 1855 at the age of eighty-one, Beaufort made significant contributions to naval exploration and charting. His meticulous surveys and publications set British Admiralty charts as the gold standard worldwide.
But perhaps Beaufort's most enduring legacy is the creation of the Beaufort Scale – a system for measuring wind speeds that is still used today. This innovation solidified his reputation as an influential figure not just nationally but internationally within maritime circles.
In this portrait, we see more than just an elderly man; we see a pioneer whose dedication to science and exploration left an indelible mark on history. Sir Francis Beaufort's legacy lives on through his work and continues to inspire generations of sailors and scientists alike.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
