Lieutenant James Rattray (fl.1840s), 'Le[sic] Maison a Peshawur de Monsieur le General Avitabile'

Lieutenant James Rattray (fl.1840s)
'Le[sic] Maison a Peshawur de Monsieur le General Avitabile'
numbered '75' (upper right), signed, inscribed as titled in the lower margin, and dated 'James Rattray - Lugmanee. Khohistan. march 6th 184.' on the original paper mount lower right
watercolour on paper
93⁄4 x 133⁄4in. (24.8 x 34.9cm.)
James Rattray was a second lieutenant in the 2nd Grenadiers, Bengal Army, serving in the First Afghan War, 1839-1842. His sketches were published in London in 1847 (Scenery, Inhabitants, & Costumes. Afghaunistan. From Drawings taken on the spot by James Rattray, Esq. Lieut 2nd Grenadiers Bengal Army). Paolo Avitabile was a Neapolitan mercenary general who was Governor of Peshawar from 1838-42. He used the Gor Khatri complex, a famous archaeological site in Peshawar, as his official residence.