Scratched open letter state. A three-quarter-length portrait of Richard Kempenfelt (1718–1782) in rear-admiral’s undress uniform, circa 1774–83, with a sword at his hip. He rests his arms on the top of a telescope. There is a rocky cliff behind him on the left and two ships on the right. Lettered beneath the image with the title in scratched letters: ‘Richard Kempenfelt Esqr. Rear Admiral of the Blue Squadron of His Majesty’s Fleet.’ Also lettered with the production details and publication line in scratched letters: ‘Tilly Kettle Pinxit. / John Boydell excudit 1782. / Richard Earlom Sculpsit. / Publish’d Octr. 22d. 1782, by John Boydell, Engraver in Cheapside London.’ This print was engraved in mezzotint by Richard Earlom after an original painting by Tilly Kettle (see BHC2818). Earlom reduced Kettle’s full-length image to three-quarter-length and created a new background for the figure. Kettle’s portrait had been exhibited at the Royal Academy in May 1782, five months before this print was published in October 1782. Kempenfelt died in the interim between the exhibition of the painting and the publication of the print. In August 1782, he was drowned in his flagship ‘Royal George’, 100 guns, when she sank at anchor at Spithead, killing over 800 men. (Updated April 2019.)