This portrait is after a painting by Sir Henry Raeburn which currently hangs in the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh. 

In 1812, Lieutenant General Sir John Hope was sent to take part in the Peninsula War which saw the French and Spanish invasion of Portugal in 1807. During the Battle of Salamanca, which took place on 22nd July 1812, Hope commanded a brigade of the 5th Division under Sir James Leith which led to a resounding victory.

On 6th September 1823, he became Colonel of the 72nd Highlanders (Duke of Albany’s) and remained in this role until his death in 1836.

In the portrait, Hope is pictured in full uniform wearing the Army Gold Medal, which was awarded to officers who ran successful commands throughout the Peninsular War.

This unusual pair of silver flags are decorated with crest of Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders and include the regiment’s battle honours. Many of these, including ‘Salamanca’ were won during the Peninsula War in which Hope commanded a brigade of the 5th division.