Buck was a prolific miniaturist who worked at Cork. It seems that transport ships on their way to the Peninsular War would anchor off the city while awaiting their escorts, and it is possible that some of the officers went ashore to take the opportunity of having their portraits painted. It is also possible that Buck may have gone aboard the transports, which might account for the relatively poor quality of his work. It is reasonable to assume that the miniatures are good likenesses, even though not worked up much. By reference to other portraits and extant uniforms and accoutrements, it is also apparent that they are very accurate representations of the uniforms worn.

With thanks to Sean Phillips