Captn. James Lowry

George Cruikshank (1792-1878) was the son of Isaac Cruikshank and was one of the most celebrated satirical artists of the period. He was especially well known for his book illustrations.This etching was produced for a book called 'Portraits, Memoirs and Characters of remarkable persons from the Revolution in 1688 to the end of the reign of George II' published in 1819. It was written by James Caulfield and contained a large number of illustrations. The text accompanying the illustration states that this portrait exhibited a meagre.

Captain James Lowry was a Scottish sea captain who was executed in 1762 for the murder of one of his crew. On the day of his execution he was described as 'his eyes were very bright and piercing, his features regular and agreeable, and by no means evinced the cruelty of his disposition. He was, in stature, about five feet seven inches, very well proportioned, and about forty years of age. His behaviour was quite composed and undaunted.'

The case had become widely known because ten crew members who had been on a ship bound for Jamaica placed an advertisement in the paper offering a reward to anyone who would bring Lowry to justice. During the trial at Newgate sensational details about the cruel treatment given to the sailors was revealed.