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. Shown here is Lieutenant-Colonel George Charles, Lord Bingham, of the 17th Lancers. The British Army introduced Lancer regiments in 1816, seeking to emulate the charging prowess displayed by the French lancers during the Napoleonic Wars. As an Officer, Lord Bingham was not actually armed with a lance, and can be seen holding instead an unsheathed sword.

In the years preceding Drahonet’s paintings, the 17th Lancers’ uniform had undergone several changes: their coatees were now red rather than blue, following William IV’s preference for the colour. The trousers, once white, were now dark blue with a double red stripe. The lance-cap worn by the 17th varied from that of the other Lancer regiments as its top half was covered in white cloth, intended to complement their coatees’ white facings. The skull and crossbones badge on the cap reflects the regiment’s motto: Death or Glory. In accordance with his high rank, Lord Bingham wears decorated gold bullion epaulettes and the black plume of his lance-cap is made of swans’ feathers rather than horsehair.