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Edward Vernon

Edward Vernon
Edward Vernon
Edward Vernon
Status
Not on view
Label Text

This miniature by an unknown artist portrays British Admiral Edward Vernon of the Royal Navy, for whom George Washington’s Mount Vernon is named. On 21 November 1739, Admiral Vernon quickly captured the poorly defended town of Porto Bello, Panama, from the Spanish with just six ships. His 1739 triumph was followed by an infamous failure at Cartagena, Colombia, in 1741. It was during this ill-fated campaign that George Washington’s brother Lawrence served on Vernon's flagship. Lawrence Washington’s admiration for his commander is evidenced by the name he gave his Virginia estate. Admiral Vernon--who was called “Old Grog" for his penchant for wearing grogham coats--is perhaps best known for the result of his effort to reduce drunkenness by watering down his sailors’ daily rum ration. As lemon or lime juice was added to offset the water’s brackish taste, Vitamin C led to much-reduced rates of scurvy and other diseases in Vernon's fleet. The drink became known as "Grog.”

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Date1739-1800
Subject (British, 1684 - 1757)
DimensionsOther (Diameter): 2 3/8 in. (6.03 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Walter Edge and Mrs. George Gallup, 1963
Object numberM-2434
DescriptionA bust-length portrait of Admiral Edward Vernon, three-quarters turned toward a ship in the proper right background. He wears a patterned royal blue coat with a white stock and pale yellow waistcoat ornamented with gold embroidery. His eyes are dark, as is his visibly stiff hair or wig. His cheeks are ruddy, and the painting of his face is accomplished with long strokes. The background (dark brown at proper left, and blue sky at proper right) is painted with heavy strokes in both horizontal and vertical directions.

The case is decorated with four gold balls and a fleur-de-lis. A modern loop attached to a screw mount provides a hanger. The case is backed with a ¼” thick piece of lacquer with inscribed paper on the outer surface, and remnants of a gilded design on the inner surface.
Mount Vernon's object research is ongoing and information about this object is subject to change. For information on image use and reproductions, click here.
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