Lieutenant Colonel Sir Henry Vassal Webster

Lieutenant Colonel Sir Henry Vassal Webster, who served as aide-de-camp to the Duke of Wellington and was wounded at Waterloo, is depicted in this 1814 portrait at the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery. Webster fought through the Peninsular War before his famous service at Waterloo, where he was struck by a musket ball. The 1814 date places the portrait during the brief peace after Napoleon"s first abdication, before the Hundred Days that would make Webster a Waterloo veteran.

The military portrait shows Webster in regimentals, with Shee paying particular attention to the uniform details that identify rank and regiment. The young officer"s features are rendered with directness, suggesting the vigor of a serving soldier. The palette relies on the contrast between the dark uniform and warm flesh tones, with metallic details of buttons and braid catching reflected light. The background is kept dark and simple, focusing attention on the figure.