Home / Arts and Entertainment / Reynolds' 'Jersey': Enslaved Boy's Hidden Life Revealed
Reynolds' 'Jersey': Enslaved Boy's Hidden Life Revealed
8 May
Summary
- Research uncovers new identity and naval service details for 'Jersey'.
- Baptized as George Walker, the boy was about 11 when painted.
- Evidence suggests 'Jersey' may have earned his freedom.
A collaborative research initiative by the National Trust, National Gallery, and Royal Museums Greenwich has begun to unveil the life of 'Jersey,' an enslaved boy featured in an early Sir Joshua Reynolds portrait. Historically known only by this name and depicted around 1748, new findings suggest he was baptized as George Walker in 1752, at approximately 15 years old, consistent with being about 11 when painted.
Scouring admiralty records, researchers identified him as 'Boston Jersey' on ships commanded by Captain Paul Henry Ourry. Evidence indicates 'Jersey' may have served as a crew member, potentially receiving Royal Navy pay. He was discharged from naval service in the summer of 1753 and subsequently vanished from records, sparking theories of his potential freedom or sale.
Technical analysis of the portrait has also revealed Reynolds' initial artistic intentions and enhanced the visibility of 'Jersey's' sensitively rendered features and clothing. This project aims to present 'Jersey' not as a trope, but as a recognized individual, moving beyond his obscured past.
