Architect

Theodore Jacobsen (d. 1772) was a wealthy British merchant of German descent. His family was engaged in the business of managing the Steelyard, which was established in London during the early days of the Hanseatic merchants. Theodore became Housemaster in 1735 – a year before the present work was painted – following the death of his brother, Sir Jacob Jacobsen.

Though an amateur architect, Theodore Jacobsen is credited with numerous accomplishments; aside from Royal Hospital Haslar they include creating designs for London’s Foundling Hospital (1742–52—demolished 1928) (founded for the maintenance and education of abandoned children), designs for “Lonesome Lodge,” the artist’s home near Dorking, Surrey and the main quadrangle, Trinity College, Dublin (1752–9).