Reginald Heber (1783–1826)

Phillips's second portrait of Reginald Heber at All Souls College Oxford documents the hymn-writer and future Bishop of Calcutta in his Oxford period—the years when he was a Fellow of All Souls and developing the literary and theological reputation that would lead to his Indian episcopate. Heber's Oxford poetry—including 'Palestine,' which won the Newdigate Prize in 1803—established him as one of the most gifted of early nineteenth-century religious poets before his death in India in 1826 gave his hymns and verse the additional poignancy of a brief life cut short by colonial service. The All Souls portrait documents him in the institution where his reputation was first made.

This version of the Heber portrait may vary slightly from the British Library version in composition or accessories while maintaining the essential characterization of the beloved bishop. Phillips's professional approach ensures consistency across multiple portraits of the same sitter. The All Souls context emphasizes Heber's academic connections.