Morier was a Swiss military and sporting painter who started working for William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1721-65) in 1747, when he painted a series of pictures of troops under his command. From 1752 until 1764 he was employed as ‘limner’ (painter) to the Duke on an annual salary of £100; his name also appears regularly in Royal accounts from 1764 to 1767. James Montague wasYeoman Rider to George III before joining the stable of the Prince of Wales in 1778. He is shown in the Riding House at Buckingham House, built for George III (1763-6) and now incorporated into the Royal Mews. It must date from the time of its completion (1765-6). Montague rides a grey horse, in profile to the right in a riding school, wearing a dark blue coat with gold trimming over a red waistcoat. To the right the flag of St George and the Red Ensign are suspended from posts; a red and beige drum is visible below the left post.