Oil Painting Portrait British Infantry Officer Second Lieutenant Killed Aged 19

British 19th Century Military oil painting on canvas portrait Red Coat Victorian Young Junior Infantry Officer Second Lieutenant In Uniform. Impress & inspire your clients & guests in your home or office, make a big statement with this military masterpiece. Title inscribed label verso “Conway Reeves Died Aged 19 Best Looking Man In British Army”. A rather nice display with the frame being 42cm high and 37cm wide. Subject half length portrait front view of a young infantry British military junior officer commissioned rank of second lieutenant, he is looking directly at the viewer, wearing his traditional dashing smart regimental military red with brass buttoned tunic uniform with red sash and rank insignia on collar. He has blue eyes, dark blonde hair with rosy cheeks with a solemn expression look. It is sad to know that he died at such a young age only 19, presumable in battle shortly after this portrait was painted. It is a very old tradition in the British and by extension Empire/Commonwealth military that both officers along with sergeants would wear a red sash. The point if it was that it made officers and sergeants more distinctive during battle with the smoke & fog, it also acted as stretcher when wounded or in the case of officers as a shroud. Officers sash was made of silken netting that expanded but the sergeants was woven worsted and originally with a band of facing colour through the centre. Unsigned, British School. Set in a traditional later gilt frame, with hanging thread on the back ready for immediate home display. A good easy to display in any home compact size being 42 cm high and 37 cm width of the frame. Provenance labels verso by descent the sitter was the great Uncle of private seller located in Portsmouth, C.H.Campbell of Bembridge. High end Isle of Wight Auction, Exhibited at Famous Lord Hill Museum & in collection of Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd. Viewings are welcome by appointment only for customer support please send a message thank you. Browse our other exciting Fine Arts, antiques & collectibles available in our shop gallery.