Miniature of Lt. Col. Henning Pretorius

Very rare, original miniature painting of Lieutenant Colonel Henning Pretorius, Head of the Staats-Artillerie van de Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek , in an oval convex glass gilt metal frame.

Possibly one of a number of miniatures of Transvaal State Artillery (ZAR Staatsartillerie) officers, ca 1896.  The only other example known to the seller is a miniature of Major P.E. Erasmus, listed in the Ray Leppan aution in 2017.

Pretorius father was Marthinus Wessel 'Swart Martiens' Pretorius, who died at the Battle of Silkaatsnek during the Transvaal Civil War, and his mother, Debora Jacoba Retief, was the daughter of the well-known Voortrekker leader Piet Retief.  Pretorius began his military career as field cornet (district Middelburg) during the 1876 Sekhukhune War and distinguished himself during the First Boer War battle at Elandsfontein.  During the battle, Pretorius was wounded twice.  In 1883, as commander of the Transvaalsche Artillerie Corps, he took part in the expedition against Mapoch.   Pretorius was a thorough officer from the old 'Boereskool' and received the highest respect from his officers due to his personal courage.  In 1896 Pretorius was appointed as the first commanding officer of the modernised Staats-Artillerie van de Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek, a title that would see him dubbed the 'Father of the Artillery'.  During his time in command of the new State Artillery, Pretorius made several improvements that saw the Transvaal Artillery develop into a world-class artillery unit.

Please have a look at my other Anglo-Boer War and ZAR listings in lieu of low, combined local shipping.  International buyers, please confirm shipping totals with seller before placing your order.