Major William Cunningham, Madras European Infantry

This 1801 portrait of Major William Cunningham at the National Army Museum records an officer of the Madras European Infantry, one of the East India Company’s military formations. Scottish officers disproportionately served in India, and Raeburn’s Indian Army portraits document this significant aspect of Scotland’s imperial engagement. Characteristic of the artist's mature approach, the work displays bold, direct brushwork building form through vigorous strokes of light and shadow rather than careful blending, with minimal underdrawing.

The military portrait renders the uniform of the Madras Infantry with attention to its distinctive details. Raeburn’s bold handling captures the weathered features of an officer acclimatized to tropical service.