history
Story of enslaved boy featured in 1748 Joshua Reynolds portrait emerges in new study
Exclusive: Until now nothing was known about ‘Jersey’, depicted with naval officer, but research raises hopes he may have won freedom
TL;DR
- A research project by the National Trust, National Gallery, and Royal Museums Greenwich is uncovering the life of 'Jersey', an enslaved boy depicted in an 18th-century Sir Joshua Reynolds portrait.
- Previously known only by his supposed name, Jersey's identity has been researched through admiralty records, muster books, and letters.
- He was identified as 'Boston Jersey' on ships associated with naval officer Paul Henry Ourry, and later baptized as George Walker at age 15, suggesting he was around 11 when painted.
- Records indicate Jersey may have been a member of the crew, possibly receiving Royal Navy pay, though it's uncertain if the pay went to him or Ourry.
- After being discharged in 1753, Jersey disappeared from records, leading to theories he was sold or granted freedom.
- Technical examination of the painting has also revealed Reynolds' initial plans for a different background and has brought Jersey's facial features and clothing details into sharper focus.
- The painting will be exhibited alongside another Reynolds portrait, Captain the Honourable George Edgcumbe, at Saltram from May 9th to November 1st.