Foster 6

Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquis (1738-1805), Governor-General of Fort William, 1786-93 and again July-October 1805. Painted 1792-93.

A life-size figure, turned partly towards the spectator’s left, with the right foot slightly advanced, and right hand resting on the hip. The left, gloved, and holding a glove, rests upon a table by his side, on which is placed his hat. He wears a red coat, light-coloured waistcoat and breeches, white stockings, and black shoes with gold buckles. The Garter is seen on his left leg, and the ribbon and star on his breast. A red curtain draped behind is drawn aside, revealing an Indian landscape with palm trees.

93 by 58 ins (236.5 by 147.5 cms)

William Larkins Bequest, 1800 (see also F1)

Literature: S.H. Paviere, ‘The Devis family of painters’ (Leigh-on-Sea, 1950); M. Archer (1979), 259-60, pl.185.

Exhibited: Royal Academy 1796 (no 282), ‘Portrait of a nobleman’.

Engraved: in half length only by Bartalozzi in 1799.

William Larkins went to India as a Writer in 1772. In July 1777, he was made Accountant-General, and held that post until March 1793, when he returned to England. He was a close friend and devoted admirer of Hastings and upon the departure of the latter for England took charge of his money matters in India. He died at Blackheath, April 24, 1800. In his will he stipulated, ‘I give the portraits of my much-respected patrons Mr. Hastings (see F1) and Marquis Cornwallis to the Court of Directors for the Affairs of the United Company of Merchants of England trading to the East Indies, and indulge a hope that they will permit a tablet to be affixed to each intimating that I had the honour to serve the United Company as their Accountant-General at Calcutta during the administration of these exalted characters, and bequeathed these portraits to the East India Company’. Both portraits were placed in the Correspondence (afterwards the Finance and Home) Committee Room at the India House, with tablets inscribed as desired by the testator), and then in the Council Chamber of the India Office.