Prince Albert gave this portrait to Queen Victoria in exchange for one of her on horseback by the same artist (RCIN 405278). The Queen wrote in her Journal, 'Dearest Albert gave me a pretty picture of himself, in uniform, on horseback, by Boutibonne and Herring…My gifts were a picture of myself, in uniform, on horseback as a pendant'.

The Prince is wearing Field-Marshal's uniform with the stars of the Garter and the Bath. A detachment of Household Cavalry is galloping past in the background. John Frederick Herring collaborated on several occasions with Boutibonne, painting the horses while the French artist painted the figures. Boutibonne's widow recalled in 1897 how two horses had been sent to Herring's property on the outskirts of London, despite protests from the Royal Mews, so that he could paint them for these portraits. The position of the horse's head and neck and of its forelegs was altered during the painting. The changes can be seen on the canvas.

Signed and dated: 'E Boutibonne 1856 / London.'