General Sir Charles Napier (1782-1853)

Unknown artist

General Sir Charles Napier served with great distinction, although not without controversy, in several campaigns in India between 1841 and 1850. He corresponded with Queen Victoria during the campaign fought in 1843, and later dined with her at Buckingham Palace. On the 7th of July 1848, Queen Victoria wrote in her journal: 'We were much struck & pleased by Sir Charles Napier, who is very pleasing, modest, & unassuming, with a striking expression… His face is very like an eagle’s with alert, sparkling eyes. When I expressed my praise, he said, ‘My services are very small.’ He has not suffered at all from the Indian climate'. Although Napier died in 1853, his portrait could still be purchased in the carte-de-visite format in the 1860s. The image used was based on a variation of this daguerreotype.