{"product_id":"oil-painting-ensign-conway-richard-dobbs-reeves-1840-1860-58th-rutlandshire-regiment-of-foot","title":"Oil Painting Ensign Conway Richard Dobbs Reeves (1840–1860), 58th Rutlandshire Regiment of Foot","description":"\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e🇬🇧 Title Portrait of a Young British Army Officer, Probably Ensign Conway Richard Dobbs Reeves (1840–1860), 58th (Rutlandshire) Regiment of Foot\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e─────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🎨 SUBJECT \u0026amp; MEDIUM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fascinating and historically important mid-19th century British military portrait depicting a youthful infantry officer shown half-length in the scarlet uniform of the Victorian Army. The sitter is portrayed facing directly towards the viewer, wearing a scarlet officer's tunic with brass buttons, dark facings and the traditional crimson officer's sash. His youthful appearance, fair hair, blue eyes and composed expression create a compelling and highly engaging image characteristic of military portraiture produced during the height of the British Empire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExecuted in oil on canvas by a British School artist and dating to circa 1859–1860, this portrait combines strong decorative appeal with significant historical interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e─────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🖼 COMPOSITION \u0026amp; TECHNIQUE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePainted in oil on canvas, the artist has captured the sitter with considerable confidence and sensitivity. The face is carefully modelled with naturalistic flesh tones and subtle tonal transitions, whilst the richly coloured scarlet uniform creates a striking visual contrast against the darker background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition follows the established traditions of Victorian military portraiture, where emphasis was placed upon dignity, rank, discipline and character. The direct gaze of the sitter creates an immediate connection with the viewer, lending the portrait both strength and presence despite its intimate cabinet scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe handling of the uniform, sash and facial features demonstrates the work of a capable mid-Victorian British portrait painter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e─────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e👤 ABOUT THE SITTER\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA later handwritten inscription preserved on the reverse identifies the sitter as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Conway Reeves – Died Aged 19 – Best Looking Man in British Army.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtensive research undertaken into this inscription has identified a strong documentary candidate in Conway Richard Dobbs Reeves (20 December 1840 – 31 January 1860) of Vostersberg, County Cork, Ireland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenealogical records record Conway Richard Dobbs Reeves as serving as an Ensign in the 58th (Rutlandshire) Regiment of Foot and confirm that he died aged nineteen on 31 January 1860. Burial records further record his interment at Mount Jerome Cemetery, Harold's Cross, Dublin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticularly significant is a contemporary military succession notice published shortly after his death recording the appointment of a replacement ensign to the regiment, noted as \"vice Reeves, deceased.\" This official notice independently confirms the recent death of a young officer named Reeves serving within the regiment and provides unusually close documentary support for the inscription preserved on the reverse of the portrait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst no contemporary inscription or family archive has yet been discovered to conclusively prove the identification, the surviving inscription, military records, genealogical evidence and burial records collectively support the attribution as probable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e─────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📜 HISTORICAL CONTEXT\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe portrait appears to date from the final years before major Victorian military reforms transformed the British Army.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sitter wears the scarlet uniform associated with Britain's famous line infantry regiments. Research suggests the dark facings visible on the collar are consistent with those historically associated with the 58th (Rutlandshire) Regiment of Foot, a distinguished line infantry regiment that later amalgamated with the 48th Regiment of Foot to form the Northamptonshire Regiment in 1881.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe crimson sash worn by the officer served both ceremonial and practical purposes. Beyond signifying commissioned rank, officer's sashes historically functioned as emergency field equipment capable of being used as improvised bandages or stretchers during military campaigns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the attribution is correct, the portrait was likely painted during the final year of Conway Reeves' life, making it a particularly poignant surviving likeness of a young officer whose military career and life ended at the age of nineteen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e─────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🖌 ABOUT THE ARTIST\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough unsigned, the work demonstrates the hand of a competent British portrait painter active during the mid-Victorian period. Military portraiture remained highly popular throughout the nineteenth century, particularly amongst officers and their families who commissioned portraits to commemorate commissioning, promotion, overseas service or important family milestones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe artist successfully balances formal military presentation with an engaging sense of personality, resulting in a portrait that remains visually compelling more than 160 years after it was painted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e─────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✍️ SIGNED\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnsigned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBritish School.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e─────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🖼 FRAMED\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePresented in an attractive later gilt frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse bears a later trade label for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eC. H. Campbell\u003cbr\u003ePicture Framer\u003cbr\u003eHigh Street, Bembridge\u003cbr\u003eIsle of Wight\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eindicating a later reframing or servicing of the work during its history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReady to hang and display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e─────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📏 SIZE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrame Dimensions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 42 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth: 37 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepth: 3 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e─────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📚 PROVENANCE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCirca 1859–1860 – Probably commissioned for the sitter or his family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e↓\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater handwritten inscription verso identifying the sitter as \"Conway Reeves\" and recording that he died aged nineteen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e↓\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResearch suggests a probable connection with Conway Richard Dobbs Reeves (1840–1860), Ensign, 58th (Rutlandshire) Regiment of Foot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e↓\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater trade label for C. H. Campbell, Picture Framer, High Street, Bembridge, Isle of Wight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e↓\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrivate Collection, United Kingdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e↓\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollection of Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCatalogue Note: The identification of the sitter is based upon the surviving handwritten inscription together with supporting military and genealogical research. Whilst compelling, the attribution should be regarded as probable rather than definitive pending the discovery of further documentary evidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e─────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⭐ WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Probable identification to a documented British Army officer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Supported by military, genealogical and burial record research.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Mid-Victorian military portrait dating to circa 1859–1860.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Historically important connection to the 58th (Rutlandshire) Regiment of Foot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Surviving handwritten family inscription verso naming the sitter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Strong decorative appeal with striking scarlet military uniform.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Excellent conversation piece for collectors of military history, Victorian portraiture and British military art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Attractive cabinet size suitable for home, office, library or study display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Professionally relined and preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis portrait offers far more than decorative appeal alone. The combination of surviving family inscription, military documentation, genealogical research and period uniform analysis creates a fascinating historical narrative connected to a young British Army officer whose life ended at just nineteen years of age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e─────────────────────────────────────────\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🔍 CONDITION REPORT\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in fine antique condition commensurate with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting surface displays areas of foxing, staining, age-related craquelure, paint fading and minor paint losses. There has been some historic restoration to the background area located to the right-hand side of the sitter's head.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe canvas has been professionally relined and revarnished at some stage during its history, helping to preserve and stabilise the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe later gilt frame displays general age-related wear including touch-ups, scuffs, scratches, chips and minor losses consistent with handling and age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall the painting presents attractively and displays exceptionally well for a military portrait of this period. Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of the description and condition report.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55140590027130,"sku":"k2099","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0201\/2227\/1808\/files\/ConwayReeves.jpg?v=1741801236","url":"https:\/\/cheshireantiquesconsultantltd.com\/nl-nl\/products\/oil-painting-ensign-conway-richard-dobbs-reeves-1840-1860-58th-rutlandshire-regiment-of-foot","provider":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","version":"1.0","type":"link"}