Object of the Day, Museum Edition: A Drawing of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, 1882

Duke of Connaught and Guards Brigade Entering Alexandria
Melton Prior, 1882
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Yesterday’s "Card of the Day" showed an image of Albert, the Duke of Connaught—one of the sons of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Today, we’ll get a look at the Duke’s son, also called Arthur (styled as Prince Arthur of Connaught). Like his father, Prince Arthur of Connaught enjoyed a distinguished military career and served as a valued aid to his cousin (another of Victoria’s grandson’s) King George V and Queen Mary (Mary of Teck).

However, in many ways Prince Arthur of Connaught was always in the shadow of his celebrated father, the Duke who outlived his son by four years. The Duke of Connaught was doubtlessly a military hero and the subject of many works of art.

Here’s one. This drawing from the Victoria & Albert Museum shows the Duke of Connaught in 1882 (a year before the birth of his son and namesake) as he enters Egypt with his troops. The drawing is entitled, “The Duke of Connaught and Guards Brigade Entering Alexandria.” Rendered in 1882, this pencil drawing is heightened by white accents and is the work of the famed Melton Prior.