Original art work: Officer of the 10th Prince of Wales's Own Hussars outside Sevastopol.
Ca. 1850. A wonderful watercolor of a British cavalry officer at the siege of Sevastopol, signed "J.H." at the lower right. Perhaps the original study for the finished painting by Richard Simkin (stance and details are identical to Simkin's image britishcavalryregiments.com/30-10h/10h5.jpg), depicting the officer from the back, turning in the saddle to his right, his uniform and the horse's tack are painted in lavish and painstaking detail, down to the studs on the bridle. This artwork predates Simkin's work.
On the outbreak of war in the Crimea (1854-56), the 10th Hussars left India and traveled to the Black Sea, but luckily were not part of Cardigan's charge of the Light Brigade, avoiding the battle of Balaclava which took place in October of 1854. The regiment was heavily involved in the siege of Sevastopol and the triumphant battles of Eupatoria and Kerch.
The Regiment returned to England in 1856, and in 1863 the 10th (The Prince of Wales's Own) Royal Hussars again had a Prince of Wales as their colonel (this was Prince Edward, later King Edward VII). The 10th Hussars are credited with introducing polo to England having learned it in India, when a captain in the 10th Hussars observed a match and immediately formed a team with his fellow officers.
9 3/4 x 11 3/4". Overall tanned, slight water mark in area above the soldier's head. Painted on card stock. Very good condition. Item #23691
Price: $475.00