The Greenwich Pensioner RMG PY3304

The Greenwich Pensioner
A Greenwich Pensioner, probably a Hospital Boatswain from his laced cuff, seated in a carved chair by a table, filling his 'chalk' (clay pipe) from a rectangular tobacco box. On the table are a tankard of ale, a newspaper and his glasses, implying a tavern setting. The original print bears title, as above, below the image and a dedicatory inscription by the publisher (Jenkins) to Admiral Sir Richard Keats, Governor of Greenwich Hospital at the time it was engraved, set round his arms.
Michael Sharp (d. 1840) was a popular portrait and subject painter, and Academy exhibitor, much of whose work was engraved. The Museum has a large oil painting by him, 'Landing at Dover from the Steam Packet' (BHC1791).

The Greenwich Pensioner