Overall: 38cm (15in) x 44cm (17.5in)
Oil on paper laid on panel. Study of a Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons) officer’s charger in review order, comprising hunting pattern saddle with regulation blue girth over Ukrainian black lambskin edged in regimentally specific red scalloped saddle cloth, over the dragoon pattern shabraque of authorised pattern, being bullion embroidered with the Guelphic crown, Scottish thistle encircled by the Garter and designation ‘2 D’ at the hindquarters, and crowned VR cypher at the forequarters, covering the wallets, complete with officers’ pattern bridle fitted with regimental ear and bit bosses, and head chain. Inscribed verso in pencil 'Scots Greys Charger / Ridden at / Balaclava’. Signed lower left. Panel:21.5cm (8.4in) x 29cm (11.5in). Contained in period frame.
During the Crimean War (1854-1856) the 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys) were part of the Heavy Brigade (alongside the 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th Dragoons) under Major-General The Honourable James Yorke Scarlett (1799-1871). At the Battle of Balaklava a large body of some 3,000 Russian cavalry threatened the road to the harbour of Balaklava. Seeing the Russian horsemen halted, and thus vulnerable to attack, Scarlett immediately charged uphill with three of his squadrons, being successively reinforced by the remaining seven squadrons of his Brigade. Reeling from this series of attacks, the Russian cavalry retired in disorder a few minutes later.