A profile portrait of an Officer of the 10th Light Dragoons
(The Prince of Wales' Own),
by Richard Bull, in graphite and wash on paper, circa 1795.

This is probably a preparatory sketch for the series of officers of the 10th Light Dragoons executed by Bull for the Prince of Wales between 1794 and 1796 (Windsor Castle). The Prince joined the Light Dragoons in 1783; he was appointed Colonel-Commandant in 1793. That year Bull painted the Prince's portrait in profile in uniform (Windsor Castle). The Prince served with the regiment for thirty years. His favorite uniform, the Prince sat for portraits wearing it many times, including to Sir William Beechey and Mme Vigée Le Brun.

Set in a magnificent period gilt wood and gesso frame with eglomise mat, the trade card of J. Harris/ Carver & Gilder/ Looking-Glass & Picture Frame Maker of Swansea on the reverse.

3 3/4 inches (9.5 cm) high.

Richard Bull (fl.1770-1809), whose distinguished clientele included the Prince of Wales (Collection of Her Majesty the Queen), the Duke of York and Lord Nelson, was a native of Dublin. He trained at the Dublin Society Schools before moving to London. Bull exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1794-1809.

See: Walker, Miniatures in the Collection of Her Majesty the Queen, The Eighteenth and Early Nineteenth Centuries, pages 79-82, for Bull's profile portraits of the 10th Light Dragoons in the Royal Collection.