Major-General Sir George Charles D'Aguilar belongs to the category of soldier-artist whose work provide a vivid record of the British colonial experience in the 18th and 19th century. This charming image shows that D'Aguilar's talents as an artist were in equal measure to his abilities as a soldier and leader of men.

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He joined the 86th (Royal County Down) Regiment of Foot which was stationed in India where he remained until 1808. During his career he served in Sicily, Constantinople, the Greek islands, Spain and ultimately was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Hong-Kong, a post that he held from 1843-1847.