'Le General Clérs formerly commanding the Zouaves', 1855

Watercolour by Colonel George Cadogan (1814-1880), 1855.

Portrait of a French officer in camp. Originally recruited from the French territories of North Africa, by the time of the Crimean War (1854-1856) the ranks of the Zouaves were almost entirely filled with Europeans. Despite this they retained their colourful and exotic uniform and maintained a ferocious fighting reputation throughout the campaign.

From an album of paintings and sketches of Colonel (later General Sir) The Honourable George Cadogan, 1st (or Grenadier) Regiment of Foot Guards; also known as 'Cadogan's Crimea', 1854-1856.