Charles Philip, Prince Schwarzenberg (1771-1820)

Lawrence painted Prince Schwarzenberg around 1818-19 as part of the Waterloo Chamber series commissioned by George IV to commemorate the Allied victory over Napoleon. Schwarzenberg had commanded the combined Austrian, Prussian, and Russian forces at the decisive Battle of Leipzig in 1813. Lawrence traveled across Europe to paint the Allied leaders, producing a series of portraits that is one of the great diplomatic art projects of the nineteenth century. The Schwarzenberg portrait captures the Austrian commander's aristocratic dignity and military authority. Now in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle, it forms part of the Waterloo Chamber ensemble that remains Lawrence's most celebrated achievement.

The Austrian general's splendid uniform allows Lawrence to demonstrate his mastery of military regalia — the gold braid, medals, and sash rendered with sparkling precision. The face beneath the martial display is that of a weary but resolute commander who bore the immense burden of coordinating the allied coalition.