This portrait was painted over 50 years after Abercromby’s death. It is painted after another portrait by John Hoppner, also in the National Galleries of Scotland Collections. The painting commemorates the British victory against the French near Alexandria in Egypt and preceded by the daring disembarkation. The painting shows Abercromby standing in the camp they had set up at Aboukir Bay after their successful landing, Abercromby holds his battle plan ready to march to Alexandria. His great victory defeated the French and made Britain’s eastern empire secure. In the background you can make out the Piillar of Pompey at Alexandria.
John Hoppner (English, 1758 - 1810)
Hoppner was born in London to German parents who lived at the court of King George II. There were rumours that Hoppner was the illegitimate child of George III, but although Hoppner himself never denied this, there is no credible evidence to support these claims. He studied at the Royal Academy Schools from 1775 until 1781, the year in which he married Phoebe Wright. Throughout the 1780s his reputation as a portraitist advanced, until by the end of the decade he was widely regarded as a worthy successor to Reynolds and Gainsborough. The early 1800s brought considerable success for Hoppner, but his frail health was increasingly failing. He died in London aged only 51.
Colvin Smith (Scottish, 1795 - 1875)
Smith was born in Brechin, Angus. From a well-to-do family, he attended the Royal Academy Schools in London and studied under Joseph Nollekens before going to Italy. On his return journey, Smith travelled via Antwerp, where he made several paintings in the style of Rubens. In 1827 Smith set up as a portrait painter in Edinburgh, using Raeburn's old studio in York Place. Smith lived in the city for the rest of his life and was elected to the Royal Scottish Academy in 1829. His style was influenced by Raeburn.
