Carl Rudolph was the son of Carl Ferdinand Sohn (1805-1867); the father was known to Queen Victoria through his portrait of the Queen of Hanover (RCIN 405078); the son was employed by members of the Royal Family 1882-6.

Arthur, Duke of Connaught (1850-1942) was Queen Victoria's youngest son. He had commanded the Guards Brigade at the battle of Tel-el-Kebir in Egypt and shown great courage under heavy fire. This portrait was made when he returned to Windsor in triumph in November 1882.

Signed and dated: C Sohn. Jun. 1882. Inscribed on the back with the names of the artist and sitter and the date, 1882, and as in the fighting dress he had worn in the Egyptian campaign.