George Murray was born in Crieff and became the most respected soldier of his time in Britain after the Duke of Wellington. His military career began in 1789 when he obtained commission into the 71st Foot – a Highland regiment in the British Army – reaching the rank of Captain by 1794. Yet it was as Quartermaster-General that Murray excelled. He was appointed to the Duke of Wellington’s army in the Peninsular War, taking part in most of the major battles against Napoleon. In 1819 he became Governor of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, remaining there for five years until his election as M.P. for Perthshire. This relatively small portrait is believed to be a preparatory study or further version of a much larger painting.