Here is a picture of Thomas R Agar Robartes (1880-1915), sporting a buttonhole of violets; which often used to be the hunting buttonhole, as explained in my feature in The Field published on 21.06.12:
J. Press SS24
18 hours ago
THE NAKED APE GETS DRESSED. For those who strive for better things and who understand, as did Ben Jonson, that: "the pipe marks the point at which the orang-utan ends and man begins". - And those who understand S T Coleridge's: "While Fate tramples on things of beauty, the indignant human heart shall utter them."
A great portrait!
ReplyDeleteIt was painted by Richard Jack in 1915, a few months before the subject was killed at the battle of Loos, having a rescued a wounded comrade under heavy fire, for which he was recommended for (but did not receive) the VC.
DeleteDoesn't he look a lot like you?
ReplyDeleteA fine Officer and Gentleman, I'm sure they'd all be horrified on how this Country has changed. I have the honour of being custodian to one of his and his brother's medals.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree all round.
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