This striking portrait is an original oil on board by Lancashire born artist Harold Wood. Wood was born in Preston 1918. He studied part time at Harris Art School 1935-9 and got a job in the decorative department in Leyland Paint & Varnish before serving in WW2. Upon returning, he worked in London as an illustrator and model maker. In 1947 he was comissioned to illustrate the life of Abdul Aziz al Saud, the first King of Saudi Arabia, a toal of 58 paintings in watercolour, completed in 1977. He was also commissioned to paint Sultan of Oman’s Arabian horses. With a documented 285 paintings completed for the two patrons, Harold became known as ‘Painter of the Arab World’.

Outside of his commissions, his paintings often had a military theme, such as his “Studies of Napoleon” which he painted in 1967. This portrait was painted during that time.

The painting has been professionally framed at a later date in a muted gilt frame.

Frame measures 53cm x 42.5cm

Aperture measures 38cm x 28cm