The art of naval portraiture / Katherine Gazzard

"From privileged officers to working-class sailors, the representation of naval personnel has been a significant branch of British art for over 500 years. The Art of Naval Portraiture unpacks the complex hisory of the genre through key examples in the National Maritime Museum's collection. It charts the historical evolution of the Royal Navy's image and explores the meaning of common naval symbols, from anchors, cannons and swords to uniforms, medals and badges. The book also tells the stories of artists, sitters, and collectors and of the places where portraits were made and displayed, including private homes, public exhibitions and ultimately the Museum itself."--Provided by the publisher.