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Unidentified Officer of a Royal Regiment of Foot, c. 1760 (oil on canvas)
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Unidentified Officer of a Royal Regiment of Foot, c. 1760 (oil on canvas)
5929294 Unidentified Officer of a Royal Regiment of Foot, c.1760 (oil on canvas) by Kettle, Tilly (1735-86); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Unidentified Officer of a Royal Regiment of Foot, 1760 (c).
Oil on canvas by Tilly Kettle (1735-1786), 1760 (c).
The dark blue facings or collar and cuffs of this unknown sitterAs uniform indicate that he served with a A RoyalA Regiment of Foot, one that is authorised to bear the words A QueenA sA, A KingA sA or A RoyalA in its title. The gorget and crimson sash distinguish him as an officer, while the manner in which the sash is worn across the chest rather than round the waist, together with the absence of epaulettes, suggest that the uniform pre-dates the Royal Clothing Warrant of 1768.
Born in London in 1735, Tilly Kettle specialised in portraits in the style of Sir Joshua Reynolds. However, from 1762 intense competition from other artists prompted him to leave the capital for the Midlands. Returning to London two years later, he exhibited at the Free Society and the Society of Artists, but attracted only minor commissions. Consequently, in 1768, he petitioned the East India Company for permission to work in India.
KettleAs arrival in Madras in 1769 is particularly significant in the history of British art in India. He was the first British portraitist of any note to work in India, where he made a successful career painting prominent Europeans such as Warren Hastings, Governor-General of Fort William, as well as Indian royalty like the Nawabs of Arcot and Oudh. The artist built up a considerable fortune before returning to England in 1776. However, KettleAs work in India had done nothing to raise his standing at home. Determined to revive his career, he set off back to India in 1786 but died en route.); eNational Army Museum; English, out of copyright
Media ID 22324436
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases an "Unidentified Officer of a Royal Regiment of Foot" from around 1760. Painted by Tilly Kettle, this oil on canvas artwork is currently housed in the National Army Museum in London. The officer's uniform features dark blue facings or collar and cuffs, indicating his service with a prestigious regiment authorized to bear the words "A Queen's" "A King's" or "Royal" in its title. The presence of a gorget and crimson sash distinguishes him as an officer, while the unique manner in which he wears the sash across his chest suggests that this uniform predates the Royal Clothing Warrant of 1768. Tilly Kettle, born in London in 1735, was known for his portrait paintings influenced by Sir Joshua Reynolds' style. After facing intense competition from other artists, Kettle left London for the Midlands but returned two years later to exhibit at various societies without much success. In 1768, he sought permission from the East India Company to work in India and arrived there in Madras a year later. Kettle became renowned as the first notable British portraitist working in India. He painted prominent Europeans such as Warren Hastings and Indian royalty like Nawabs of Arcot and Oudh during his successful career. Despite amassing wealth abroad, Kettle's reputation did not improve back home. Determined to revive his career further, he embarked on another journey to India but tragically passed away en route. This remarkable piece captures both historical significance and artistic talent within its frame—an enduring testament to Tilly Kettle's contribution to British art history.
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