Felice Beato (circa 1830-circa 1904)

Albumen print from a paper negative. Framed.

Sotheby's London, 29th March 1985, lot 97. 

The original print is slightly warmer in tone than is suggested by the catalogue illustration. Silvering is visible along the upper and left edges, and the edges are slightly faded here too. There are two localised white spots with the paper support showing, at the lower right and upper left corners (visible in catalogue illustration). A few dots of white ?adhesive on the right shoulder of the figure seated far left (visible in the catalogue). There is one slightly darkened patch (a faint stain?) at the centre of the cloth above the sitters' heads. A fine print overall with some good dark tone.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

William Hodson raised the regiment called Hodson's Horse mainly among Sikhs from the Punjab during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.  The regiment acquired an unsavoury reputation for the brutality of its repression, in 1858 and 1859, and its leader was somewhat piratical. This photograph must have been made soon after the founding of the regiment and may even have been commissioned to celebrate it.