This striking portrait evidently represents Sir Charles Theophilus Metclafe, Bart. (1785-1846), whose career in the Bengal Civil Service spanned the years 1801-1838. He became the Resident of Delhi in 1811, Resident of Hyderabad in 1920, Member of the Supreme Council in 1827, and Acting Governor-General of India in 1835-8; after leaving India he became Governor-General of Jamaica and then of Canada, and was created Baron Metcalfe in 1845.

For British portraits of Metcalfe at a comparable age see Patrick Conner, George Chinnery, artist of India and the China Coast, 1993, pl.62; Edward Thompson, The Life of Charles, Lord Metcalfe, 1937, anon. artist, opp.364; and Christie’s (London) 20 July 1990, lot 330 (as by George Chinnery). All three clearly depict the double chin, the folds at the sides of the mouth, and the swept-back hair – all features which, together with the copious sidewhiskers, are emphasised by the painter. In other respects also the painting is distinctively Indian – the rich gold patterning of the fringed purple canopy, the finely detailed handling of hair and whiskers, the somewhat stylised landscape In the distance, and the green and ochre borders. A version in miniature of the portrait, apparently by the same artist, survives in a private collection.