Portrait of a British Officer, Circa 1830-37

Portrait of a dashing young Officer of the 16th (Bedfordshire) Regiment of Foot. British School, circa 1830–37. Oil on canvas laid on board. Unsigned. Why we like it A young officer in scarlet and gold, hand on hip, holding the viewer’s eye with considerable composure. His pose, frank and rather grand, exuding confidence without being showy; the colour is magnificent, and the sitter is handsome enough to carry both. Gold bullion epaulettes at each shoulder bear the crown and star of a colonel. The belt plate carries the crowned cypher of William IV above the regimental number 16, which dates the picture to that reign; so does the gold lace, adopted by the regiment’s officers in 1830 in place of silver. The 16th was serving in the Bengal Presidency throughout those years, and the portrait was in all likelihood painted in England while the sitter was home on furlough. Dimensions Framed: 31” x 38” / 79cm x 96.5cm Canvas: 28.75” x 35.5” / 73cm x 90cm Condition Original unrestored condition. Gorgeous as is and ready for placement.