General Pierre Bosquet (1810-61) was a highly successful divisional commander in the French army throughout the Crimean campaign. His skill and experience made him a popular figure with the troops. He also had a poetic turn of phrase, the most famous of which, in response to the Charge of the Light Brigade, was ‘C’est magnifique, mais ce n’est pas la guerre; c’est de la folie’ (‘It’s magnificent, but it’s not war; it’s madness’).

In all of his portraits by Fenton, Bosquet poses with such complete confidence and self-assurance. He is either gazing directly at the camera or presenting himself as a man of action by giving orders to his subordinates. Unlike some of the other senior commanders who are happy to present themselves reclining in a deck chair like General Estcourt, Bosquet appears to be highly aware of the potential impact a formal photographic portrait could have.