During the period of peace following the Napoleonic Wars, increasingly elaborate (and often quite impractical) military attire was devised, particularly by George IV. By the time William IV came to the throne in 1830, uniforms had become too expensive and were simplified and adapted once again. The result of these changes was codified and promulgated in the 1831 Dress Regulations. These paintings were intended to provide a visual record of the recent changes to military dress. Their value is not only historical, however, but also aesthetic: Drahonet produces lively, slightly elongated figures, capturing their facial expressions and setting them in a variety of organic poses.

Each painting in the series depicts a single figure against a neutral background. Although their uniform and accoutrements are the focus, the sitters are often identified by name, as well as regiment and rank. This painting depicts Lieutenant Arthur Gosset of the Royal Horse Artillery. The Royal Horse Artillery were mounted troops raised in 1793 to provide mobile fire support to the cavalry regiments. Many aspects of their uniform were adopted from the light cavalry regiments (see 407097). As shown here, however, they wore the same shako as the rest of the Royal Artillery, although Drahonet has exaggerated the size of its white plume.