December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
John Hill, RA (fl. 1775-1791). "British Light Infantry Officer in American Campaign Uniform, Revolutionary War." Watercolor on ivory, 1 ½ in. oval, signed ‘Hill’, inside original gilt, wrist locket with mother of pearl face on recto. This unidentified light infantry officer is probably a member of the 15th Regiment of Foot, based on his distinctive uniform, with yellow facings and silver-laced, paired buttonholes. He wears the narrow-brimmed “round hat” adopted for service by the 15th Foot and other corps while serving in America during the American campaigns, yet rarely depicted in period iconography. This is one of only two known British officer portraits from the Revolutionary War era showing this distinct headdress, the other being Thomas Dowdeswell of the 1st Guards, painted by Joseph Blackburn in 1778, now at Mount Vernon. Hill worked in London and exhibited at the Society of Artists, 1775 and the Royal Academy, 1777-1791. His miniatures are beautifully rendered and signed examples are scarce and this example, showing an officer wearing headgear, is extremely unusual and desirable. PROVENANCE: James Kochan Collection to 2004; private Maryland collection until 2022, when reacquired. CONDITION: very good to excellent, the portrait still retaining good color.