Lieutenant Gabriel Bray, RN

Over at following_sea rikibeth and donnaimmaculata have been discussing 18th century grooming habits (What Lovely Locks You Have) which reminded me of something I've been meaning to post for ages. Or rather someone. Allow me to introduce the gorgeous Lieutenant Gabriel Bray.


This beautifully intimate self portrait was painted by Bray while he served as second lieutenant aboard HMS Pallas in 1775. Although he appears to have been an exemplary officer, Bray lacked sufficient interest to rise to the rank of post-captain. However Bray was also a talented artist and over the course of the four years he served aboard the Pallas under Captain the Hon. William Cornwallis, he painted many of the daily scenes he saw about him. Bray's art presents a very personal contemporary record of life above and below decks aboard an 18th century man of war. In addition Bray also sketched many of the indigenous people that he encountered during the Pallas cruise to West Africa.

All of Bray's paintings are fascinating but it's the imagine of him shaving that captivates me. It's such an ordinary activity but one that we very rarely see. I love the way his hair is casually tied up on top of his head and his complete absorption in his task. Even the little detail of the folding mirror stand is fascinating.

Incidentally there is a Bray among the young gentleman of the Indefatigable but nodbear has done a little research and there doesn't seem to be any direct relation to the lovely Gabriel.

I've copied some more of Bray's sketches below the cut and you can view the entire collection of Bray's work at the National Maritime Museum's wonderful online collections viewer here.

( The Bray Album )