Enslaved Boy in Joshua Reynolds Painting Identified as George Walker
A team of researchers in the U.K. has identified the boy in Joshua Reynolds's 1748 painting as George Walker, who was known as 'Jersey.' Baptism records from July 30, 1752, at a Westminster chapel state he was "a certain Black boy called Boston Jersey," and he was 15 at that time. Walker was around 11 when the artwork was made. He joined the Royal Navy, serving on HMS Monmouth in December 1748 and was discharged from HMS Deptford in 1753, probably in Minorca. The painting, commissioned by the Corporation of Plympton, is housed at Saltram in Devon. Techniques like x-ray fluorescence helped researchers reveal that Reynolds might have had a different background in mind. The restored piece will be back on display at Saltram on May 9 until November 1.
Key facts
- Enslaved boy in Joshua Reynolds's 1748 painting identified as George Walker, formerly called 'Jersey'.
- Baptismal certificate dated July 30, 1752, records 'a certain Black boy called Boston Jersey baptised by the name of George Walker aged fifteen'.
- Walker was about 11 years old when painted by Reynolds.
- He served in the Royal Navy, boarding HMS Monmouth in December 1748 as an able seaman.
- Discharged from HMS Deptford in 1753, likely in Minorca; post-discharge fate unknown.
- Nickname 'Jersey' from master's Huguenot refugee family; 'Boston' suggests prior residence in Massachusetts.
- Painting commissioned by Corporation of Plympton, hangs at Saltram in Devon.
- Research collaboration: National Trust, National Gallery London, Royal Museums Greenwich.
- Technical analysis shows Reynolds painted Ourry with preliminary layers but not Walker, suggesting it may not be an accurate portrait.
- Conserved painting returns to Saltram on May 9, on view until November 1.
- Similar identifications: Eleonora Susette (Art Gallery of Ontario), Thomas James (National Army Museum), Peregrine Tyam (Claydon House).
Entities
Artists
- Joshua Reynolds
- Thomas Phillips
Institutions
- National Trust
- National Gallery London
- Royal Museums Greenwich
- University of Plymouth
- Art Gallery of Ontario
- National Army Museum London
- National Maritime Museum
- Corporation of Plympton
- Saltram
- National Gallery in London
Locations
- United Kingdom
- Westminster
- London
- England
- Jersey
- Channel Islands
- St Helier
- Boston
- Massachusetts
- United States
- Plymouth
- Devon
- Saltram
- Minorca
- Spain
- Mediterranean
- Plympton