Overall: 101cm (31.2in) x 83cm (24in)
Mezzotint. H. Cousins after Frank De Prades,, 'The Right Honourable The Earl of Cardigan K.C.B. on his favourite charger, Ronald', published by Fores 1856. Visible sheet 79 x 61cm. Contained in modern glazed maple wood frame.
Lieutenant-General James Thomas Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, KCB (1797-1868) commanded the Light Cavalry Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War (1854-55). Throughout his life he characterised the arrogant and extravagant aristocrat of the period. His progression through the Army was marked by many episodes of extraordinary incompetence, but also by generosity to the men under his command and genuine bravery. As a member of the landed aristocracy, he had actively and steadfastly opposed any political reform in Britain, but in the last year of his life, he relented and decided that such reform would benefit all classes of society.