Foster 47

Sir James Rivett-Carnac, Bt. (1785-1846), c.1840

A standing figure, with face seen in full, but body turned half to the left. The left hand hangs by the side; the right rests on a table, on which is a plumed hat. The uniform is blue, trimmed with silver, and with silver buttons and epaulettes; the sash is gold, the sword-belt gold and red.

94 by 58 ins (240 by 147.5 cms)

Presented by his son, Sir John Rivett-Carnac, Bt., 1878

James Rivett-Carnac entered the service of the East India Company in 1801 as an officer in the Madras Native Infantry, but was soon transferred to Bombay through the influence of his father, who was a member of the Bombay Council. From 1802-19 he was constantly employed in a political capacity, including two years service as Resident at Baroda (1817-19). He went home in the latter year, and in 1822 retired from the service. Five years later he was elected a Director of the Company; he was made Deputy Chairman in 1835, and Chairman in 1836 and 1837. A baronetcy was conferred on him in 1836 and in 1838 he was appointed Governor of Bombay. Resigned, 1841. A similar version of the picture commissioned by the Oriental Club, London, was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1840 (no.161).