Royal Horse Artillery Officers and an Officer of the Rifle Brigade, 1832

Henry Martens (1790-1868) was born in London to German parents and became the leading military illustrator and artist of the 1830s and 40s. He worked mainly in watercolour although a few oil paintings are known. Martens is best known for the historical and contemporary works, such as ‘Costumes of the British Army’ (1848-1853,) that he created for the Anglo-German lithographer and publisher Rudolf Ackmermann who ran the Eclipse Sporting Gallery at 191 Regent Street. As with many other of his works these were engraved by John Harris. The London Commercial Directories for 1850-51 list ‘Henry Marten, artist,’ and locate his studio at 31 Conduit Street, Hanover Square, which was conveniently close to Ackermann’s gallery. The Post Office Directory for 1856 places him at 73 Stanhope Street, Hampstead Road. Martens worked mainly in watercolour although he exhibited a few oils at various galleries including the British Institution and the Society of British Artists. He exhibited pictures at various galleries including the British Institution and particularly at the Society of British Artists. Between 1828 and 1842, he showed no fewer than 34 watercolours at the latter, the majority depicting military scenes such as The Skirmish at Drumclog (1833–34), Out-post duty - English Hussars (1836), Charles I at the Battle of Naseby (1839) and Cavalry engagement at Benevente during Sir John Moore's Retreat (1842).