Plymouth-born artist Charles Eastlake was one of many who sailed out onto the Sound to witness Napoleon’s daily appearances on the deck of HMS Bellerophon. This painting was copied from an engraving after Eastlake’s portrait, and shows Napoleon standing in the ship’s gangway. Eastlake was the only British artist to have painted Napoleon from life.

About the exhibition:

Your journey begins from the moment you enter the gallery, with a large-scale audio visual introduction narrated by Dawn French. The collections bring to life a story that spans thousands of years, from ancient Bronze Age settlements, to its growth into a powerhouse of trade and commerce and into today’s bustling maritime hub

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: The Box, Plymouth, Devon
Material: Oil on panel
Artist: John Harris the Younger (1791-1873)
Date: Unknown

Image Details
Date: 18 September 2025
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/18s
ISO: 800
Licence: Image of a ‘The Box’ asset. This image cannot be licensed.