No. 7: Lieutenant 1799

"No. 7: Lieutenant" is a 1799 etching by Henri Merke, a French-born artist who worked primarily in England. The piece depicts a full-length portrait of a naval officer, standing confidently on the deck of a ship, holding a sword and with one hand outstretched, likely in command of the crew. The subject's attire and the presence of cannons in the background suggest a scene of naval activity. This print exemplifies a popular genre of the era, focusing on military figures and the growing prominence of the British navy. The etching is currently part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York City.