266 - A portrait of Jean-Francois Allard (1785-1839),

A portrait of Jean-Francois Allard (1785-1839), after the portrait by Joseph Desire Court, 1837, late 19th century, oil on canvas, framed, 81cm x 65cm (canvas) Jean-Francois Allard was Maharaja Ranjit Singh's most faithful commander and trusted lieutenant. He served in Napolean Bonaparte's army where he was injured twice and promoted to the rank of Captain of the French Hussar Regiment. Following the battle of Waterloo, Allard set off for Persia where he visited Governor of Azerbaijan Abbas Mirza (1789-1833) in the hopes of gaining employment. He was promised the rank of Colonal but never received his troops and in 1820 he went to the Punjab, entering the service of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1822. His first task was to raise a corps of dragoons and lancers for wich he was awarded the rank of General and became the leader of the European officer corps in the Maharaja's service. Allard's primary command was the Fauj-i-Khas, the Special Force, which he organised along the lines of a Napoleonic combined-arms brigade: cavalry, infantry, and artillery trained to operate together. He imposed drill, uniform, and above all discipline — the defining quality that distinguished the new Khalsa regulars from the misls. Ranjit Singh gave him land, titles, While serving under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, he fell in love with Princess Bannu Pan Dei, daughter of Raja Menga Ram of Chamba, modern day Himachal Pradesh. They married and eventually had seven children. In 1835, Allard returned to his hometown Saint-Tropez along with his wife and built "Pan Dei Palais" to commemorate their love. Allard was also an amateur numismatist and contributed greatly to the early study of ancient Indian coins. In June 1834, Allard returned to France on leave, going back to the Punjab 18 months later. He continued to serve the Maharaja until his death in 1839. A portrait of Allard and his family attributed to Imam Baksh Lahori was sold at Sothebys 25 October 2023, Lot 65 as part of the Edith & Stuart Carey Welch Collection for £571,500.