Lieutenant Colonel William Lambton (1756–1823)

Step into the early 19th century with William Havell's portrait of Lieutenant Colonel William Lambton, painted in 1822. Havell, a founding member of the Society of Painters in Watercolours, was known for his landscapes, yet this portrait showcases his versatility. After a period as a draughtsman for Lord Amherst's embassy to China, Havell spent eight years in India (1817-1825), where he found "lucrative employment in painting portraits and landscapes." This work likely stems from that productive time, offering a glimpse into the British presence in India. While his oil paintings were "neglected during his lifetime," they have since risen greatly in estimation, with critics noting their "good composition and often for the effect of sunshine." This portrait, though not a landscape, would have been a significant commission, capturing the likeness of a prominent figure of the era.