Miniature of Sir Pulteney Malcolm (1768 – 1838)

Sir Pulteney Malcolm (1768 – 1838) was a British naval officer who was born near Langholm.  Although he was a key figure in the Wars of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, he missed the battles of both Trafalgar and Waterloo.  With curious irony, he was responsible for guarding Napoleon during his final days in exile on St Helena.   Sir Pulteney Malcolm, along with three of his brothers, were known as “The Four Knights of Eskdale”. Sir Pulteney Malcolm GCB GCMG is shown wearing a naval uniform including a gold trimmed blue coat with buttons embossed with anchors, gold epaulettes, white waistcoat, frilled chemise and tied stock, with his hair powdered. The miniature is signed on the front with a cursive E, and on the back with G Engleheart. The oval miniature measures 100mm (almost 4 inches) high. Sir Pulteney Malcolm is recorded in Engleheart’s fee book as having sat for his portrait in 1806.  It was one of a pair that remained with the family until 2010, when they were offered for sale at Bonhams in London.   Purchased with assistance from The Art Fund and The National Fund for Acquisitions administered with Government funds by the National Museums of Scotland. Conservation work was funded by The Friends of Annandale and Eskdale Museums.   www.artfund.org