Study of a cavalryman for the 'Outram Shield', probably 1860

Henry Hugh Armstead RA (1828 - 1905)

RA Collection: Art

This drawing of a cavalryman on horseback is a preparatory study for the silver 'Outram Shield' (1862, V&A Museum). It probably relates to Armstead's designs for the central section of the shield which depicts Sir Henry Havelock restoring command of the British Forces to Sir James Outram following the Relief of Lucknow. A figure like the one depicted here does not feature in the finished relief but the drawing is probably an early idea for either Havelock, Outram or one of the figures in the background of the scene.

The Outram Shield was presented to Lieutenant General Sir James Outram by his 'friends, admirers and brother officers' as a 'lasting testimony to his gallantry self devotion & high chivalrous bearing during the operations attending on & following the relief of Lucknow 1857 of H. M. Bombay Army' (from the inscription around the side of the shield). The scenes on the shield depict Outram's military career in India. The shield was made by the London firm of Hunt and Roskell, and was displayed at the International Exhibition of 1862 in London as an example of their work.