A fine and rare 18th century portrait of an English Naval Commander, possibly a young Captain Horatio Nelson, circa 1779-1785, attributed to Francis Wheatley (1747-1801)

Portrait of an English Naval Commander, possibly that of Captain Horatio Nelson, circa 1779-1785 with a firm attribution to Francis Wheatley (1747-1801). This wonderful oil portrait measures 25" x 20" (excluding frame)and portrays a rather confident and dashing Naval Commander, sword in hand, with his ship in the background. The portrait closely resembles another portrait of Captain Horatio Nelson painted circa 1777-1781 by John Francis Rigaud (1742-1810) and now on display at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. The painting has been relined and is fitted in a carved and gilded period frame, probably the original. This same painting was the subject of an article in the Antique Collectors Guide, February 1988, entitled 'Anonymous Faces.'