Overall: 35.5cm (14in) x 40cm (16in)
Watercolour on paper. An Egyptian equestrian study titled, dated, signed and monogrammed ‘EB / Alexandria / 1891’ and ‘Exercising the Pasha’a horse’ / Eliz. Butler’. Image: 28cm x 32cm. The reverse applied with an an autograph letter signed from the artist, donating the work. Framed and glazed.
Elizabeth, Lady Butler, nee Elizabeth Thompson, (1846-1933), produced some of the best known military paintings of the 19th century, including the Crimean War and the Napoleonic Wars. Her notable works include The Roll Call (purchased by Queen Victoria), The Defence of Rorke's Drift, and Scotland Forever! (showing the Scots Greys at Waterloo). She wrote about her military paintings in an autobiography published in 1922: "I never painted for the glory of war, but to portray its pathos and heroism." She was married to British Army officer William Butler, becoming Lady Butler after he was knighted.