Major-General Sir William Howe

Title: William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe
Artist: Richard Purcell aka Charles Corbutt (ca 1736-ca 1766)
Date: November 1777

Major-General Sir William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe (1729–1814), is depicted in this color mezzotint painting by Richard Purcell, published in 1777. Before returning to North America in March 1775, Howe had seen long service. After fighting in Europe during the Seven Years’ War, Howe played a key role in the capture of Quebec in 1759 and the subsequent campaign against the French. After criticizing Lieutenant-General Thomas Gage over tactics at Bunker Hill in June 1775, Howe was eventually given overall command that September. Under Howe’s leadership the British landed on Staten Island in July 1776 and during the fall of 1776 outmaneuvered General George Washington at Long Island and New York, forcing the Americans to retreat in disorder across New Jersey. During the Fall campaign Howe clashed with both Major-General Charles Cornwallis and Major-General Henry Clinton over strategy. Washington’s victory at Trenton revived American spirits and during 1777 Howe endeavored to regain the initiative by capturing the American capital at Philadelphia. Although this was successful, Howe’s failure to coordinate his movements with Major General John Burgoyne’s invasion from Canada resulted in Burgoyne’s surrender.

Source :
Book "Continental versus Redcoat: American Revolutionary War" by David Bonk
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:WilliamHowe1777ColorMezzotint.jpeg

Gideon von Laudon at the Battlefield of Kunersdorf

Title: Gideon von Laudon nach seinem Sieg über das Schlachtfeld bei Kunersdorf reitend (Gideon von Laudon riding after the victory over the battlefield of Kunersdorf)
Artist: Siegmund L'Allemand
Date: 1878

Baron Ernst Gideon von Laudon (German: Ernst Gideon Freiherr von Laudon (originally Laudohn or Loudon) (February 2, 1717 – July 14, 1790) was an Austrian generalisimo, one of the most successful opponents of the Prussian king Frederick the Great, allegedly lauded by Alexander Suvorov as his teacher. He served the position of military governorship of Habsburg Serbia from his capture of Belgrade in 1789 until his death, cooperating with the resistance fighters of Koča Anđelković.

The Battle of Kunersdorf, fought in the Seven Years' War, was Frederick the Great's most devastating defeat. On August 12, 1759, near Kunersdorf (Kunowice), east of Frankfurt (Oder), 50,900 Prussians were defeated by a combined allied army 65,000 strong consisting of 41,000 Russians and 24,000 Austrians under Pyotr Saltykov. Only 3,000 soldiers from the original 50,900 comprising the Prussian army returned to Berlin after the battle, though many more had only scattered and were ultimately able to join the army afterward.

Source :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Kunersdorf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernst_Gideon_von_Laudon

Celebration on the Occasion of the Anniversary of the Military Order of Maria Theresa

Title: Celebration on the occasion of the anniversary of the Military Order of Maria Theresa
Artist: Siegmund L'Allemand
Date: 1861

Glittering chandeliers, elaborately decorated table centres and heavily gold-braided military uniforms all contribute to the splendour of this sumptuous State occasion. The Military Order of Maria Theresa became Austria's senior award for war services when it was founded by the Empress Maria Theresa in 1757. The Order is in the shape of a symmetrical jewelled cross with the simple inscription, "Fortitudini" (for bravery) on the reverse. Worn with the Order is a scarlet edged white sash, which in this 1861 Anniversary painting can be seen worn by the Archduke raising his glass in a final toast.

This impressive canvas was painted by Siegmund L'Allemand, a notable Austrian artist. Born in Vienna in 1840, L'Allemand had his first painting lessons from his uncle Fritz L'Allemand. He later studied under Ruben and Karl Blaas and eventually in 1883 he succeeded them as professor of the Viennese Academy. L'Allemand has successfully humanised his portrayal of this very formal banquet. Chairs have been pushed back from the table, upon which many already empty decanters can be seen. In the foreground the waiters anxiously scan the room, ready with more full wine bottles. Plumed military helmets are piled on side tables; the faces of the military officers around the huge table are clearly recognisable. In this very masculine scene the only feminine touch is the sculpture of the Empress herself, presiding majestically over the proceedings. The original painting, which is quite massive, can be found in the Billiard Room of the Schloss Schönbrunn museum in Vienna.

From 1883 Siegmund L'Allemand served as a professor, and later the head of the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. An interesting footnote is that he chaired the admissions committee that in 1907 rejected admission to a young aspiring art student named Adolf Hitler. 

Source :

https://www.flickr.com/photos/27203838@N02/11015684984

https://www.scholarsresource.com/browse/museum/5282

Portrait of Manuel Godoy, Duke of Alcudia, 'Prince of the Peace'

Title: Portrait of Manuel Godoy, Duke of Alcudia, 'Prince of the Peace'
Artist: Francisco Goya
Date: 1801

Francisco Goya's portrait of Manuel Godoy is brought from the Museo del Prado. The portrait, Manuel Godoy, Duke of Alcudia (1801), is a depiction of Manuel Godoy sitting outside with what appears to be his military regiment. Manuel Godoy was an important figure in Spain at the time. He had served as the prime minister however he had led Spain to many disasters, including the French Invasion of 1808. Godoy sits with an air of dignity and power, even though Godoy was not popular with the Spanish people. The military regiment behind Godoy highlights Godoy's power and authority. However, this portrait is not traditional of portraits of military leaders and nobility. Godoy is in a really relaxed position, with an almost smug expression on his face. The background is dark and bleak, possibly highlighting the disasters Godoy had brought to Spain. The air around Godoy looks as though there is smoke from cannon fire which could possibly mean that a battle had just taken place. If that were so it is interesting to see that Godoy is sitting down instead of leading his army. Unfortunately, the Spanish monarchy has trust Godoy too greatly and gave him too much power which he abused. The love of power and also Godoy's greed is what led to the French Invasion of 1808. Godoy had not cared what was best for the people of Spain and therefore was force to live in exile after the French Invasion. 

Source :
http://span2322finalproject.weebly.com/featured-art.html

The Capitulation of Breda

Title: La rendición de Breda (The Surrender of Breda)
Artist: Diego Velázquez
Date: 1634-1635

On display from the Museo del Prado is Diego Velazquez's The Surrender of Breda (1634-1635). Velazquez, under commission for King Philip IV, commemorates the capture of Breda during the Eighty Years' War. Depicted is the Spanish general Spinola takes the keys to the city from the defeated Dutch general. Velazquez paints the Dutch general as bowing to Spinola, which highlights the victory of Spain. However many art historians believe that the Dutch do not look as though they have been painfully defeated. The Dutch are depicted as looking more well rested and healthy than the Spanish soldiers. The Dutch general may even wear a condescending expression as he may know one day the Dutch will take back the city of Breda, which was recaptured in 1637. Velazquez paid certain attention to the Spanish lances as he later went back and made the lances much taller than the Dutch's lances, which is why the Surrender of Breda is also known as The Lances. On the left, the Spanish army is depicted with longer and straighter lances which is to highlight the greater power and strength of the Spanish army. Even though the lances are a symbol for Spain's military prowess, the cordiality between Spinola and the Dutch general is meant to paint Spain in a good light. The Surrender of Breda shows Spain as capable of respect and forgiveness of those of whom they have defeated. Once again, Spain's military power has allowed Spain to capture new lands and rule over new people. However, sometimes Spain's power was not always enough. As the Dutch took back the city of Breda in 1637, the Spanish effort during the Eighty Years' War was wasted. In order to gain more power throughout Europe, occasionally Spain made wrong decisions that led to their own defeat. 

Source :

http://span2322finalproject.weebly.com/featured-art.html

The First of May 1851

Title: The First of May 1851
Artist: Franz Xaver Winterhalter
Date:1851

This picture shows the Duke of Wellington offering a gift to Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and Prince Arthur, in a scene resembling the Adoration of the Magi. The painting was commissioned by Queen Victoria to commemorate the 1st of May 1851, which held a threefold significance: it was the first birthday of Prince Arthur, the eighty-second birthday of prince's godfather the Duke of Wellington, and the opening day of the Great Exhibition. Prince Arthur holds Lily-of-the-valley, a traditional 1st of May gift said to bring good luck. The Crystal Palace can be seen in the background.

Source :

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1_of_May,_1851.jpg

Louis-Charles-Philippe of Orleans Duke of Nemours

Title: Louis-Charles-Philippe of Orleans Duke of Nemours
Artist: Franz Xaver Winterhalter
Date: 1843

Oil on canvas. Dimensions: 140 x 215 cm. Now belong to Chateau de Versailles, France. Louis, Duke of Nemours was the second son of King Louis Phillipe of France. Louis became a colonel at the age of 12, and spent most of his life in the military. Appropriately, he is shown in full early Victorian military splendour, all shiny boots, red moire sash and gold epaulettes.

Source :
http://thedreamstress.com/2010/01/rate-the-dress-louis-duke-of-nemours-by-winterhalter/