Prince Albert Victor was the eldest son of the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII), and heir to the throne. Following a somewhat disastrous period of study at Trinity College, Cambridge, his father sent him to join the army, where he reached the rank of major. He was created Duke of Clarence and Avondale, and Earl of Athlone in June 1890. Just two years later, aged 28, he died of pneumonia. He used to play the banjo, and had instruments made for him by Harry Spratt, who also taught several other members of the nobility.

William John Seward Webber was born in Exeter, where he trained as an artist. He studied at the West London School of Art and at the Royal Academy. This bust is one of very few mature portraits of the Duke of Clarence and depicts him in his uniform as Major of the 10th Royal Hussars.