MAJOR GENERAL WALTER FANE (1828-1885), DATED 1857 AD.

The sitter of our painting is the great Afghan ruler, Amir Dust Muhammad Khan (r.1823-39 and 1845–63). He was the founder of the Barakzai dynasty of Durrani Abdali Pashtun kings of Afghanistan and one of the most prominent and iconic rulers of the 19th century. The artist is Major General Walter Fane (1828–85) a British Indian Army officer who served in Central India, on the North West Frontier. Fane was also an accomplished artist throughout his lifetime. As the General leading forces in the North West Frontier, Fane came into direct contact with the Dost Muhammad Khan in 1857 when the British forged a partnership and declared war against Persia. The present painting is truly unique in that General Fane had the respect of Dust Muhammad Khan and was given the opportunity to paint the iconic Pashtun King from life. Another portrait of Dust Muhamamd Khan, also executed from life is in the Victoria and Albert museum (inv.no.SD.1107).