Lady Elizabeth Butler, Roll Call, Image Courtesy of Anne S.K. Brown Military Collection, Brown University
Roll Call by Lady Elizabeth Butler (1846-1933) was first shown in London at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition of 1874. The painting, which transformed Butler into an overnight celebrity, was so popular that a policeman had to stand next to it to regulate the eager crowd. Queen Victoria bought the original painting. This image, in the Anne S.K. Brown Military Collection at Brown University, is an engraving by W.T. Hulland that was printed in 1882.
Roll Call depicts a British infantry unit (Guards) in the aftermath of an unnamed winter battle during the Crimean war (1853-1856). The troops are thoroughly depleted and many are wounded and exhausted. Others console their comrades. Even the soldier taking Roll Call has a head wound. Despite the clear signs of suffering, the troops form up for Roll Call. The horse mounted officer offers an interesting contrast to everyone else on foot.
Additionally, the officer is clearly much older than his young troops as evidenced by his white mutton chops and handlebar mustache. His face is expressionless compared to the range of emotions on the faces of his men. It's a powerful image because it depicts suffering and sacrifice, but also bravery, and the strong bonds of comradery forged in war without actually showing combat. The gray wintery landscape adds a somber tone to the painting.
Butler started her career as a religious painter but switched to military art. Her realistic style captures the suffering and heroism of British troops in both oil and watercolor. In 1879 Butler came within two votes of becoming the first woman elected as an Associate Member of the Royal Academy. The first woman ultimately elected as an Associate Member occurred 43 years later in 1922. She was married to a British officer and had six children. They lived all over the British Empire and eventually retired to Ireland. A large number of Butler's original paintings were unfortunately destroyed in London by German bombs during WWII.
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