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

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