Three-quarter-length portrait of Abraham Rawlinson (1738-1803), a Whig MP for Lancaster from 1780-1790.

It shows the sitter, telescope in hand, standing against a coastal background to demonstrate his mercantile interests. The Rawlinson family had numerous business interests in the West Indies and profited from the transatlantic slave trade during the 18th century.

Provenance

Probably commissioned by Abraham Rawlinson; his sister, Mrs Isaac Forde; then by descent.


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