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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Frederick Burnaby, 1870

James Jacques Tissot

Frederick Burnaby, 1870

Frederick Burnaby (1842–1885) is here portrayed as a confident young army officer, lounging on a sofa, cigarette in hand, in his uniform as a captain in the 3rd Household Cavalry. The informal presentation contrasts with the conventional full-length standing or mounted military portrait. However, the prominent inclusion of a map centred on India provides a stark indication of the military’s role in exerting British imperial interests during this period, including the brutal suppression of resistance movements.

Burnaby had a gift for languages and a penchant for travel and adventure, which he wrote about in his bestselling books A Ride to Khiva (1876) and On Horseback through Asia Minor (1877). A towering figure, he was reputed to be the strongest man in the British army, and was said to have once carried two ponies, one under each arm.

National Portrait Gallery, London Purchased, 1933
© National Portrait Gallery, London

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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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