In 1832 French portraitist Alexandre-Jean Dubois Drahonet was commissioned by William IV to paint one hundred pictures illustrating the uniform of the British Army. The Royal Collection retains most of this series. A photograph of the Equerry’s Room at Windsor Castle taken in around 1900 shows some of these paintings hanging together, framed in groups.

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. Seen here is Sergeant John Johnston of the Royal Sappers and Miners. This regiment was formed in 1787 to support the work of the Royal Engineers, at that time an officer-only corps. In addition to performing the roles of the standard infantry, the Sappers and Miners were involved in aspects of military engineering including the construction of roads, bridges, camps, fortifications and drainage systems.

Johnston’s uniform is similar to that of the Royal Engineers (see 407080), although with a shako, a shoulder belt and rank chevrons on his sleeves. Drahonet depicts the Sergeant in a moment of action: he seems to have just picked up one of the grenades from the pile behind him and moves to light it with a portfire.