This small portrait is an oil painting on cardboard measuring 4.25 inches
in length by 3.5 inches in width. The signature of the artist, "Mayer"
is not visible in this image but is clearly visible on the original in the
right hand corner of the portrait. Please see:
Details of the original
portrait painting for a more accurate representation of the condition
of the original painting.
Lieutenant Barnes is probably in full dress review order. He is wearing
an 1856 pattern infantry officers tunic with a scarlet silk sash over
his left shoulder. The collar and sleeves show some fading, but would
seem to be consistent with the yellow facings worn by the 37th
Regiment of Foot at the time. The collar rank badges are those of a lieutenant
showing a single crown rank badge and ½ inch of gold lace on the
top edge of the collar.
The details of the sleeve are difficult to see. The three button sleeve
decoration of the 1856 pattern tunic can be made out.
Lieutenant Barnes' medal is the South African Medal given for service
in various campaigns from 1834 to 1853. Lieutenant Barnes served in a Native
Corps from 1850 to 1853.
Lieutenant Barnes' is wearing a white enamelled leather waist/sword belt.
His sword is the 1822 pattern infantry officers sword which stayed in use
until 1895. At this time it was probably being carried in a leather scabbard.
The sword knot would have been crimson and gold with a bullion tassle.