What characterises 19th-century British military portraiture?

19th-century British military portraits typically depict commissioned officers in full dress uniform, emphasizing rank, regimental distinctions, and imperial service through precise uniform details, epaulettes, and formal composition.

What materials were traditionally used in Victorian officer portraits?

These portraits were predominantly executed using oil paint on stretched linen or cotton canvas, housed in wooden frames finished with plaster composition details and gold leaf gilding.

How can one identify authentic period military portraits?

Authentic pieces show natural craquelure consistent with age, period-correct canvas weave and stretcher construction, historical accuracy in uniform buttons and lace patterns, and appropriate surface oxidisation.

How can a military portrait be styled in a modern interior?

Hang the portrait as a central focal point above a mantelpiece, console table, or within a dark-toned library or study to create visual weight against structured wall panelling.

How should an antique oil portrait in a gilt frame be maintained?

Keep the painting away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources, dusting the gilt frame gently with a soft dry brush and cleaning the canvas surface only through professional conservation.

for sale €2,633 $2,858

£2,250

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Red Coat Portrait

Oil Painting Canvas

Military Officer Painting

Victorian Military Painting

Id #SA1225453

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Red Coat Officer Portrait Madras Presidency Service Military Oil Paintings

Name: Red Coat Officer Portrait Madras Presidency Service Military Oil Paintings
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1225453
Price: 2250 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Mansion House Antiques & Fine Art

Description

The Sitter

The painting depicts a British military officer in full regalia. Historical records identify him as Major-General Albert Pinson (1800–1865), who served in the East India Company''''s Madras Presidency service.

Context:

According to the 1851 census, Albert Pinson lived in West Monkton, Somerset—near North Curry—before his death in Exeter in 1865.

This is a large, fabulous 19th-century Victorian Oil on Canvas Portrait Painting depicting Colonel Pinson, who is poised in a half-length portrait pose whilst wearing his full military regalia.

Painted in 1852 by British artist W. Barrett.

Inscribed verso: Painted and presented to Colonel Pinson by W. Barrett - North Curry 6th Dated April 1852 & Signed W. Barrett in the lower right corner.

Mounted within the original and substantial gesso scrolled and moulded gilt frame.

The Madras Presidency (1640–1947)

Headquartered at Fort St. George, was a major administrative subdivision of the East India Company. It managed vast areas of South India, including modern Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Kerala and Karnataka, operating as a distinct military and civil establishment until 1858.

Key Aspects of the Madras Presidency Service: / Establishment & Evolution:

Established around 1640, it was formally designated a Presidency in 1684, becoming one of three primary Company administrative hubs along with Bombay and Bengal.

Military Service (Madras Army):

The Madras Army was one of the three Presidency armies, which played a major role in the Mysore Wars and Carnatic Wars and protected Company interests.Civil Service & Records: Civil servants managed land revenue, judicial, and political administration, with detailed records of service (1741-1858) available.

Structure:

It was ruled by a Governor, who was initially independent but became subordinate to the Governor-General in Calcutta after Pitt''''s India Act of 1784.

Transition:

Following the Indian Rebellion of 1857, administration passed to the British Crown, and the Presidency survived until Indian independence.

Service Records:

Detailed personnel records of civil servants are available in C.C. Prinsep’s ''''Record of services of the Honourable East India Company''''s civil servants in the Madras presidency, from 1741 to 1858,'''' which can be found in the Internet Archive and Findmypast.

Condition

The Painting and frame are offered in good original condition commensurate with age.

The canvas was re-lined during the past 30 years or so, and parts of the gesso frame have been repaired.

Framed Measurements:

Height: 38.6 Inches | 98 cm

Width: 33.3 Inches | 84.5 cm

Depth: 3 Inches | 7.6 cm

DELIVERY : UK By Private Courier £95 ( Safe & Secure ) By Hand To Your Door

TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES : 07765 856171

Quote Our Ref : 0954

Physical Dimensions

Height

98cm (38.58")

Width

84.5cm (33.27")

Depth

7.6cm (2.99")

Declaration

Mansion House Antiques & Fine Art has dated this Military Officer Oil Portrait to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1225453

Dealers Internal Reference

0954

Dealers Notes

Payments are accepted by Bank Transfer & by Debit / Credit Cards Via the BUY NOW Payment Link Tab shown below each items description.

PAY-PAL Account Holders are welcome. CHEQUES Drawn from UK banks.

Description

The Sitter

The painting depicts a British military officer in full regalia.

“

Historical records identify him as Major-General Albert Pinson (1800–1865), who served in the East India Company''''s Madras Presidency service.

Mansion House Antiques & Fine Art

fig 1. An oil portrait of a 19th-century British military officer wearing a red uniform coat with gold epaulettes, set within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 1. Red Coat Officer Portrait Madras Presidency Service Military Oil Paintings

Context:

According to the 1851 census, Albert Pinson lived in West Monkton, Somerset—near North Curry—before his death in Exeter in 1865.

This is a large, fabulous 19th-century Victorian Oil on Canvas Portrait Painting depicting Colonel Pinson, who is poised in a half-length portrait pose whilst wearing his full military regalia.

fig 2. An oil portrait of a 19th-century British military officer wearing a red uniform coat with gold epaulettes, set within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 2. Red Coat Officer Portrait Madras Presidency Service Military Oil Paintings

Painted in 1852 by British artist W. Barrett.

Inscribed verso: Painted and presented to Colonel Pinson by W. Barrett - North Curry 6th Dated April 1852 & Signed W. Barrett in the lower right corner.

Mounted within the original and substantial gesso scrolled and moulded gilt frame.

fig 3. An oil portrait of a 19th-century British military officer wearing a red uniform coat with gold epaulettes, set within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 3. Red Coat Officer Portrait Madras Presidency Service Military Oil Paintings

The Madras Presidency (1640–1947)

Headquartered at Fort St. George, was a major administrative subdivision of the East India Company. It managed vast areas of South India, including modern Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Kerala and Karnataka, operating as a distinct military and civil establishment until 1858.

fig 4. An oil portrait of a 19th-century British military officer wearing a red uniform coat with gold epaulettes, set within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 4. Red Coat Officer Portrait Madras Presidency Service Military Oil Paintings

Key Aspects of the Madras Presidency Service: / Establishment & Evolution:

Established around 1640, it was formally designated a Presidency in 1684, becoming one of three primary Company administrative hubs along with Bombay and Bengal.

fig 5. An oil portrait of a 19th-century British military officer wearing a red uniform coat with gold epaulettes, set within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 5. Red Coat Officer Portrait Madras Presidency Service Military Oil Paintings

Military Service (Madras Army):

The Madras Army was one of the three Presidency armies, which played a major role in the Mysore Wars and Carnatic Wars and protected Company interests.Civil Service & Records: Civil servants managed land revenue, judicial, and political administration, with detailed records of service (1741-1858) available.

fig 6. An oil portrait of a 19th-century British military officer wearing a red uniform coat with gold epaulettes, set within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 6. Red Coat Officer Portrait Madras Presidency Service Military Oil Paintings

Structure:

It was ruled by a Governor, who was initially independent but became subordinate to the Governor-General in Calcutta after Pitt''''s India Act of 1784.

Transition:

Following the Indian Rebellion of 1857, administration passed to the British Crown, and the Presidency survived until Indian independence.

fig 7. An oil portrait of a 19th-century British military officer wearing a red uniform coat with gold epaulettes, set within an ornate gilded frame. — fig 7. Red Coat Officer Portrait Madras Presidency Service Military Oil Paintings

Service Records:

Detailed personnel records of civil servants are available in C.C. Prinsep’s ''''Record of services of the Honourable East India Company''''s civil servants in the Madras presidency, from 1741 to 1858,'''' which can be found in the Internet Archive and Findmypast.