Sir Pierre Louis Napoleon Cavagnari with the Sirdars

Sitterback to top

• Sir Pierre Louis Napoleon Cavagnari (1841-1879), Soldier and diplomat. Sitter in 1 portrait.

Artistback to top

• John Burke (circa 1843-1900). Artist of 3 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The son of one of Napoleon's officers, Cavagnari, a naturalized British subject, became one of the most courageous servants of the Empire, first in India and later in Afghanistan. In 1879, the year in which this photograph was taken, he negotiated and signed the Treaty of Gandamuck with Afghanistan and was made a KCB. He was then appointed British Resident in Kabul, but was murdered in the citadel there along with other Europeans on 3 September by mutinous Afghan troops. His head was split open with a blow just as the citadel's burning roof fell in and his body was never found.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Rogers, Malcolm, Camera Portraits, 1989 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 20 October 1989 - 21 January 1990), p. 97
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 737

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Around the world
• Carpets and textiles
• Costumes and national dress
• Diversity
• Group portraits
• Hats and head-attire