Mystery Boy in Reynolds Portrait Revealed

The identity of an enslaved Black child depicted in Joshua Reynolds' circa 1748 portrait, traditionally known only as "Jersey," has been a long-standing enigma for art historians. Recent extensive research, utilizing British government archives, letters, and ship logs, has shed light on this boy's life. Researchers have identified him as Boston Jersey, potentially named after Ourry's birthplace in Jersey and his time in Boston, Massachusetts.

Further records reveal that Boston Jersey was baptized as George Walker around the age of fifteen, suggesting he was approximately eleven when the portrait was created. This discovery challenges the notion that such figures in 18th-century portraits were merely symbolic.

Evidence of Boston Jersey's substantial life story emerges from his naval service. He spent over five years aboard three Royal Navy ships with Lieutenant Paul Henry Ourry. Records from 1751 show his promotion to able seaman on HMS Monmouth. His last known record is his discharge from HMS Deptford in August 1753.

Scientific analysis of the portrait itself has also offered insights into Reynolds' artistic process, indicating that Jersey's figure may have been added later or considered subordinate, with initial sketches revealing landscape elements that were later replaced with a plain background.