Sir Edward Paget (1775–1849), General

Sir Edward Paget, a general who lost his right arm at the Battle of Oporto and served as Wellington"s second-in-command before being captured by the French, appears in this portrait from around 1810 in the Government Art Collection. Paget came from a notable military family—his brother was the Marquess of Anglesey, who lost his leg at Waterloo. The Government Art Collection, which provides art for British government buildings worldwide, preserves this portrait of one of the Peninsular War"s most distinguished soldiers.

The military portrait shows Paget in general officer"s uniform, with Shee navigating the challenge of depicting a one-armed subject with tact and dignity. The composition may adjust the standard format to accommodate or conceal the missing arm. The palette relies on the standard contrast of dark uniform, gold decoration, and warm flesh tones, with the face receiving the most careful treatment as Shee captures the character of a seasoned soldier.