Sir Graham Moore

Lawrence painted Sir Graham Moore around 1792, depicting a naval officer who was the brother of the legendary general Sir John Moore of Corunna fame. Graham Moore had a distinguished naval career, eventually rising to admiral, and participated in the capture of four Spanish frigates in 1804 that precipitated Spain's declaration of war against Britain. Lawrence's early portrait captures the young officer before his most famous exploits, with the confident bearing that characterized Lawrence's treatment of military subjects. Now in the National Portrait Gallery, the painting belongs to Lawrence's extensive gallery of military and naval portraits from the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

Lawrence renders Moore in naval uniform with characteristic fluency, using a warm palette and dynamic brushwork. The portrait conveys martial confidence through its direct pose and the subtle energy of Lawrence's handling.