This engaging study of an army officer was finished almost certainly in 1816. In remembrance for the Battle of Waterloo he proudly wears his medal commemorating the event which was issued that year to officers and as a note of respect to the fallen the black band of mourning on his left arm. Given his uniform it is possible the individual portrayed was a staff officer.

Richard Livesay was an artist whose work was widely appreciated in the latter years of the 18^th century. A number of painters inspired by his success in working on a relatively small intimate scale continued the practice well into the 19^th century as with the example presented here.