Late 18th Century Portrait of a Young British Naval Officer

oil on canvas, unsigned, the anonymous sitter wears a dark blue uniform coat with brass naval buttons and points his dirk at a distant engagement between British and French warships; his left sleeve is empty, suggesting that he is a seasoned veteran of such lethal encounters. The work is presented in a somewhat later wooden frame that is painted black with gilt embellishments.
Sight size 28-1/2 x 23-1/2 in.; Overall dimensions 38 x 32-1/2 in.
A really splendid example of Georgian documentary painting that holds a tale worth uncovering.

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Conservatively trimmed and lined before placement on a 19th century stretcher; three small paint chips expose bare canvas above the subject; black light examination reveals minor in-painting as expected; very good condition.