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Richard Barrett Davis
Portrait of an officer of the 2nd Life Guards, Windsor Castle beyond

About the Item

Richard Barrett Davies (1782-1854) Portrait of an officer of the 2nd Life Guards, small full-length, with his mount, holding a paper, a troop of mounted Life Guards and Windsor Castle beyond signed and indistinctly dated 'Davis ../ ...' (lower right) Oil on canvas Canvas Size - 34 x 28 1/2 in Framed Size - 38 x 33 in Provenance Milligan Collection, Caldwell Hall, Burton-on-Trent; with Oscar and Peter Johnson, 1965; Anonymous sale; Bonhams, London, 20 March 2007, lot 14; The Collection of Charlie Watts. Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer of The Rolling Stones, was renowned not only for his musical prowess but also for his profound affection for animals, particularly Collies. He and his wife, Shirley, resided at Halsdon Manor in Devon, where they managed a stud farm for Arabian horses. Their estate was also home to numerous dogs, reflecting their deep commitment to animal welfare. This painting by Richard Barrett Davis presents a striking full-length portrait of an officer from the prestigious 2nd Life Guards, part of the British Household Cavalry. The officer is depicted standing beside his well-groomed, chestnut-colored horse, dressed in the regiment’s full ceremonial uniform. His polished cuirass, bright red tunic, and bearskin helmet are emblematic of the elite cavalry corps tasked with royal protection and ceremonial duties. The officer holds a paper in one hand—possibly orders or a dispatch—adding a narrative element to the composition. The horse, composed and statuesque, reinforces themes of discipline, loyalty, and military prestige. In the background, a troop of mounted Life Guards can be seen, suggesting the broader context of regimental readiness or a royal review. Further still, Windsor Castle is visible on the horizon, anchoring the scene in the ceremonial and nationalistic heart of Britain. Davis, an official animal painter to King William IV, was known for his equestrian subjects and his ability to merge military formality with naturalistic detail. This painting not only serves as a personal portrait but also a celebration of British military tradition and the close bond between cavalryman and steed.
  • Creator:
    Richard Barrett Davis (1782 - 1854, English)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 38 in (96.52 cm)Width: 33 in (83.82 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Stoke, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU446316425942

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