Major General Albert Pinson East India Company Madras Presidency Service 19th Military Officer Oil Portrait Paintings

The Sitter
The painting depicts a British military officer in full regalia. Historical records identify him as Major-General Albert Pinson (1800–1865), who served in the East India Company's Madras Presidency service.

Context:
According to the 1851 census, Albert Pinson lived in West Monkton, Somerset—near North Curry—before his death in Exeter in 1865.

This is a large, fabulous 19th-century Victorian Oil on Canvas Portrait Painting depicting Colonel Pinson, who is poised in a half-length portrait pose whilst wearing his full military regalia.

Painted in 1852 by British artist W. Barrett.

Inscribed verso: Painted and presented to Colonel Pinson by W. Barrett - North Curry 6th Dated April 1852 & Signed W. Barrett in the lower right corner.

Mounted within the original and substantial gesso scrolled and moulded gilt frame.

The Madras Presidency (1640–1947)
Headquartered at Fort St. George, was a major administrative subdivision of the East India Company. It managed vast areas of South India, including modern Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Kerala and Karnataka, operating as a distinct military and civil establishment until 1858.

Key Aspects of the Madras Presidency Service: / Establishment & Evolution:
Established around 1640, it was formally designated a Presidency in 1684, becoming one of three primary Company administrative hubs along with Bombay and Bengal.

Military Service (Madras Army):
The Madras Army was one of the three Presidency armies, which played a major role in the Mysore Wars and Carnatic Wars and protected Company interests.Civil Service & Records: Civil servants managed land revenue, judicial, and political administration, with detailed records of service (1741-1858) available.

Structure:
It was ruled by a Governor, who was initially independent but became subordinate to the Governor-General in Calcutta after Pitt's India Act of 1784.

Transition:
Following the Indian Rebellion of 1857, administration passed to the British Crown, and the Presidency survived until Indian independence.

Service Records:
Detailed personnel records of civil servants are available in C.C. Prinsep’s "Record of services of the Honourable East India Company's civil servants in the Madras presidency, from 1741 to 1858," which can be found in the Internet Archive and Findmypast.

Condition
The Painting and frame are offered in good original condition commensurate with age.
The canvas was re-lined during the past 30 years or so, and parts of the gesso frame have been repaired.

Framed Measurements:
Height: 38.6 Inches | 98 cm
Width: 33.3 Inches | 84.5 cm
Depth: 3 Inches | 7.6 cm

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