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. As the inscription relays, this is Sergeant George Reid of the 2nd (Royal North British) Dragoons. Dragoon troops were mounted on cavalry, but had weapons and combat styles closer to those of infantry units, although by the 19th century they rarely dismounted to fight. The 2nd Dragoons were nicknamed the Scots Greys (as can be seen in Drahonet’s inscription), given their Scottish origins and grey horses.

The 2nd Dragoons had the same basic uniform as other regiments of the Heavy Cavalry, including the red coatee with tails and the dark blue trousers with yellow stripes. However, they were the only Heavy Cavalry regiment to wear bearskins, with the white plume so long by this point that it curled over, as illustrated here. While the Scots Greys Officer painted by Drahonet had bullion gold epaulettes, this Sergeant has simpler brass scales.