John Hely-Hutchinson, first Baron Hutchinson and second Earl of Donoughmore (1757-1832)

Phillips's portrait of John Hely-Hutchinson, first Baron Hutchinson from 1811 depicts the military hero of the Egyptian campaign of 1801—the general who succeeded Abercrombie after the latter's death at the Battle of Alexandria and negotiated the French evacuation of Egypt that ended Napoleon's Oriental adventure. Hutchinson's Egyptian success made him a celebrated figure, and his subsequent career included the negotiation of the Peace of Amiens and various diplomatic and military roles. The 1811 portrait documents him in middle age, when his Egyptian laurels were still fresh and his subsequent diplomatic career was ongoing. Phillips's military and naval portraits formed an important category of his production, documenting the officers who had served Britain during the long French wars.

The military portrait in the Royal Collection demands the highest standards of formal presentation. Phillips renders the general's uniform and decorations with appropriate precision, while the face conveys the authority of a successful commander. The handling is polished, meeting the requirements of royal patronage.