Sir George is depicted in military uniform with the ribbon and star of the Bath and the stars of the Orders of the Star of India, and of the Indian Empire, and the star of the Royal Victorian Order. His medals include the Victoria Cross. He entered the army in 1853 and served in the Indian Mutiny and in the Afghan War, where he gained the Victoria Cross. After a period in Egypt he became Commander-in-Chief in India. In the South African War he was in command in Natal where he conducted the heroic defence of Ladysmith which, after a siege of 118 days, was relieved on 28 February 1900. He was then appointed Governor of Gibraltar, where he received his Field-Marshal’s baton from Edward VIII. In 1905 he became Governor of Chelsea Hospital. After his death he was described by a contemporary as ‘a gallant soldier & a very nice man’.

Signed and dated: László ft. / London / 1900. / VII.; and inscribed by the artist: GEORGE STUART WHITE.