Thomas Rowcroft (c.1770-1824) merchant and diplomat

Location

Country: Peru
City: Lima
Place: British Embassy

In 1824 Thomas Rowcroft gained the post of Consul-General for Peru. This portrait was painted by artist Henry Howard in 1823, shortly before Rowcroft left the UK to begin his service. The portrait was exhibited at the Royal Academy the following year.

Rowcroft arrived in Callao, the largest port of Peru, late in 1824. He travelled towards the capital, Lima, accompanied by his daughter, Leonora Maria. The Royalists occupied Callao, while the Patriots, led by the Venezuelan military and political leader General Bolivar, were at Lima. On 17 December 1824, Rowcroft’s carriage approached Lima. Patriot troops occupying the advanced post of their garrison called out to the vehicle. The Patriots expected the carriage to halt and await further instruction. However, Rowcroft continued alone on horseback, failing to respond to the signal. He was dressed in the uniform of the London Light Horse Association, which may have been mistaken for that of the Royalists. The sentinel of the Patriots fired two shots, one of which struck Rowcroft. Badly injured, Rowcroft returned to Callao with his daughter, where he died from his wound the following morning. Sympathy and regret was expressed by both Royalists and Patriots, and General Bolivar himself called on Rowcroft’s daughter in Callao to offer his condolences.

People

Thomas Rowcroft (c.1770 - 1824)

Places

Subjects

male portrait, sideburns, man, 19th century costume, cravat, wing collar, merchant, diplomat, Consul General

Materials & Techniques

canvas, oil, oil painting

Artist

Henry Howard (1769 - 1847)

Title

Thomas Rowcroft (c.1770-1824) merchant and diplomat

Date

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

height: 76.70 cm, width: 63.50 cm

Acquisition

Purchased from Colonel M R Goodliff, March 2011

Provenance

Sitter's family by descent; purchased by the Government Art Collection from Colonel M. R. Goodliff in March 2011

GAC number

18384