Thomas Earnshaw, 1749-1829

Thomas Earnshaw, the chronometer maker, appears in a second portrait by Shee from 1808, ten years after the first version, now at the Royal Museums Greenwich. Greenwich, home of the Royal Observatory and center of maritime timekeeping, is the natural home for a portrait of the man whose escapement design improved the accuracy of marine chronometers. By 1808, Earnshaw had largely retired from active work, and this portrait may record him in his later years.

This later version of the Earnshaw portrait may show the effects of ten years" aging on the sitter, with Shee adjusting his characterization accordingly. The Greenwich version likely reflects the maritime context of its display, though the portrait format remains consistent with Shee"s standard approach. The face receives careful attention appropriate to a second sitting that allowed Shee to deepen his understanding of the sitter"s character.