Early 19th century, oil on canvas (lined), cut down and laid to a later canvas on a wooden stretcher in a 20th century frame. The subject is shown in his full dress dark blue uniform having gold bullion epaulettes and trim; the Neapolitan order of St Ferdinand and of Merit hangs from his neck while his coat's left lapel hosts a gold medal for service under Admiral Horatio Nelson in Egypt.

Sight size 28-1/4 x 21-1/4 in.; frame 34 x 27 in.

Private collection

Sir Alexander John Ball was a British naval officer whose career stretched from the American Revolution to the Napoleonic Wars. His most significant contribution to his country was to peacefully extend Britain's rule over the strategic Mediterranean island of Malta. The present portrait is nearly identical to one of Rear-Admiral Ball by Gaetano Calleja (1760-1838) in the collections of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.

Small mark in upper left corner; overall very good estate condition.