Lot 275: William Naish (British, c.1767-1800)

Captain Henry Sherwood (1776-1849), wearing the uniform of the 53rd Foot, scarlet coat and facings edged with white piping, gold lace button holes in pairs and gold epaulette, frilled white chemise and black stock
gold frame, the reverse glazed to reveal seed pearl monogram HS on gold mounted blue glass within plaited hair border, brooch clasp attachment
Oval, 77mm. (3ins.) high

The present lot is mentioned and illustrated in 'The Life and Times of Mrs Sherwood' by F. J. Harvey Darton, published 1910 by Wells Gardner Darton & Co. The book records a letter written by Capt. Sherwood to a Mrs Butt on 18 April 1798 in which he writes "I have sent a miniature of myself in the 53rd uniform to you". His diary entry for 3 April 1798, also recorded in this book reads "I am told this day that I am appointed to the 53rd Regiment." Therefore the present lot must have been painted between these dates, depicting a proud 22 year old wearing his new uniform.