The artwork, “Colonel Frederick Gustavus Burnaby,” was created by the artist James Tissot in 1870 using oil on panel. This portrait belongs to the Realism art movement and is housed in the National Portrait Gallery in London, UK.
The artwork depicts Colonel Frederick Gustavus Burnaby relaxing in full military attire. Reclined on a sofa adorned with floral upholstery, the Colonel is holding a cigarette in his right hand while several books and a cap rest on the nearby bed. Behind him, a large map serves as the backdrop, enhancing the scene with a sense of geographical relevance. On the sofa beside Burnaby, his military helmet and uniform cape appear draped, suggesting a momentary respite from duty. The attention to detail and lifelike representation exemplify the Realist style, capturing both the likeness and the milieu of the subject with precision and depth.
