Thomas Jones Barker (1815–1882) was a preeminent British painter of the Victorian era, widely known as "The Horace Vernet of England" for his mastery of military and historical subjects. Born in Bath into a family of esteemed artists, he traveled to Paris to study under the celebrated Horace Vernet, whose influence instilled in Barker a flair for dramatic, large-scale compositions. His technical brilliance and ability to capture the grit and glory of the battlefield earned him the patronage of the British aristocracy and prominent military figures. Barker’s work belongs to the Romantic Realism tradition, characterized by meticulously researched uniforms, heroic equestrian figures, and sweeping narrative intensity. He is most famous for his iconic work The Secret of England's Greatness (depicting Queen Victoria presenting a Bible) and his vivid portrayals of the Crimean War and the Napoleonic campaigns. For the cross stitcher, a Barker design offers a magnificent challenge in detail; the gleaming steel of sabers, the rich scarlet of military tunics, and the powerful musculature of horses translate into commanding needlework projects that preserve the heritage and heroism of the 19th century.