Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Politics > Sir Robert Walpole
Bronze medallion commemorating the capture of Porto Bello by Admiral Vernon, 1739 (Medallion commemorating the capture of Porto Bello by Admiral Vernon 1739)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Fine Art Finder
Bronze medallion commemorating the capture of Porto Bello by Admiral Vernon, 1739 (Medallion commemorating the capture of Porto Bello by Admiral Vernon 1739)
5929643 Bronze medallion commemorating the capture of Porto Bello by Admiral Vernon, 1739 (Medallion commemorating the capture of Porto Bello by Admiral Vernon 1739) by British School, (18th Century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Bronze medallion commemorating the capture of Porto Bello by Admiral Vernon, 1739.
In 1731 the Spanish Coast Guard in the Caribbean boarded and searched the British merchant ship of Captain Robert Jenkins. During the violent search Jenkins ear was severed. He took the matter to Parliament and it was said that he showed them the appendage in order to highlight this vicious attack upon British liberties. Political pressure eventually led the Prime Minister, Robert Walpole, to declare war against Spain on 19 October 1739. The subsequent War of Jenkins Ear (1739-1741) had few successes for the British, but this medallion commemorates one small victory, Admiral Edward Vernon's attack on Porto Bello in Panama.
Based in Jamaica, Vernon had somewhat rashly boasted that he could take Porto Bello with only six ships. On 22 November he succeeded in doing just that, but with insufficient forces to consolidate his position there, was obliged to destroy the fortifications and the port, and withdraw to Jamaica. Nevertheless, the victory sparked a wave of jingoism at home, raising unrealistic optimism as to what might be achieved in the Caribbean. The capture of Porto Bello elevated Admiral Vernon to a national hero. His victory there was followed closely by the public debut of the patriotic song, Rule, Britannia! and Vernon was granted the freedom of London.
The obverse of the medal shows the bust of Admiral Vernon with the legend THE BRITISH GLORY REVIVD BY ADMIRAL VERNON'. The reverse depicts Vernon's six ships entering Porto Bello's harbour. The inscription reads HE TOOK PORTO BELLO WITH SIX SHIPS ONLY with BY COURAGE AND CONDUCT.); © National Army Museum
Media ID 33393186
© © National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
Marines Maritime Force Naval Force Naval Infantry Fleet
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> H
> Robert Home
> Arts
> Artists
> S
> Spanish School
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> British Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> Guards Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> National Army Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> National Maritime Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Politics
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Politics
> Robert Walpole
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Politics
> Sir Robert Walpole
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> British School
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> Michelangelo Buonarroti
EDITORS COMMENTS
This bronze medallion, created by the British School in the 18th century, commemorates a significant event in history - the capture of Porto Bello by Admiral Vernon in 1739. Housed at the National Army Museum in London, this print offers a glimpse into a moment that sparked both national pride and unrealistic optimism. The story behind this medallion begins with Captain Robert Jenkins and his ill-fated encounter with the Spanish Coast Guard in the Caribbean. During their violent search of his ship, Jenkins' ear was severed, an act that symbolized an attack on British liberties. Outraged by this incident, Parliament declared war against Spain under pressure from Prime Minister Robert Walpole. Amidst the War of Jenkins' Ear (1739-1741), Admiral Edward Vernon set out to prove himself by attacking Porto Bello in Panama. Despite boasting he could achieve victory with only six ships, Vernon succeeded on November 22nd but lacked sufficient forces to hold onto his conquest. Forced to destroy fortifications and withdraw back to Jamaica, his triumph ignited jingoism among Britons who believed further victories were within reach. Admiral Vernon's capture of Porto Bello elevated him to national hero status and even inspired 'Rule Britannia!', a patriotic song still cherished today. As recognition for his achievement, he was granted freedom of London. The obverse side of this remarkable medal showcases Admiral Vernon's bust alongside the inscription "THE BRITISH GLORY REVIVD BY ADMIRAL VERNON". On its reverse side is depicted Vernon's fleet entering Porto Bello's harbor while proclaiming "HE TOOK PORTO BELLO WITH SIX SHIPS ONLY" through courage and conduct. This print captures not only a historical artifact but also encapsulates an era filled with fervent nationalism and aspirations for imperial dominance. It serves as a reminder of how one small victory can inspire hope amidst the challenges of war.
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.
