A fine miniature of a handsome young officer. The original locket frame has an interwoven hair panel, reverse.
Dimensions: Oval 2 3/4 inches high.
Price Guide: F
Item Reference: 6
Additional Information: The sitter in this portrait miniature was painted about 1790 and is a young officer of the British Army dressed in the uniform of an Aide-de-Camp to a General Officer not occupying the post of commander-in-chief. His status is demonstrated by the style of the embroidery on his coat, the epaulette worn on his left shoulder and by the fact that his buttons are of plain design. The officer would have been first commissioned into either an infantry or cavalry regiment and then appointed as an ADC. The appointment would have required him to relinquish his regimental uniform and wear the coat shown in this portrait. Posts such as that of an ADC, although often hazardous in battle, were eagerly sought-after by ambitious young officers because of the opportunities they gave to attract attention and to make connections beneficial to their careers. |
