ANTIQUE FEATURE

This wonderful portrait of Capt J Hunt is our cover boy for the catalogue of our exhibition of Fine Art opening on the 26th June.

There are two interesting things about this work. One is that it is inscribed by the artist on the back:"Portrait of Captain J Hunt of the 22nd regiment of Bengal Native Infantry painted in July 1839 by Turnham Burton". The other is the image itself. Here is a young officer, in his prime, doing his bit for Queen and country in India.The juxtaposition of his uniform, fair complexion and traditional "military portrait stance" with the tropical palm tree and lowering skies in the back ground is interesting. The modern eye can see how out of place young Captain Hunt is in this environment.

In 1839, the year this work was painted, The British Empire had yet to reach its zenith. England took Aden and Hong Kong that year and were still fighting the Opium Wars in China. British India was still governed - for want of a better word - by The East India Company. The mortality rate amongst the British in India was double that in Britain and for military men, such as our cover boy, sickness, alcoholism and singleness were often their fate. Poor Capt Hunt; did he survive? Find a wife? Or is he somewhere in a Calcutta cemetery like so many others?

There we are; this charming and poignant painting will be on the cover of our catalogue out on the 16th June. Contact us if you'd like a copy.