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Field-Marshal Gebhardt von Blücher (1742-1819)
Thomas Lawrence·1814
Historical Context
Lawrence painted Field Marshal Blücher around 1814 as part of the Waterloo Chamber series for George IV. Blücher, the seventy-two-year-old Prussian commander, had played a decisive role at Waterloo by arriving with his forces in the late afternoon to reinforce Wellington's battered army — his timely intervention turned a desperate defensive stand into a crushing victory. Lawrence captures the old warrior's fierce determination and indomitable spirit. The portrait was painted during Blücher's triumphal visit to London after Waterloo, when he was feted as a hero. Now in the Royal Collection, the painting commemorates one of Napoleon's most relentless adversaries.
Technical Analysis
Lawrence captures the old warrior's fierce, determined character with vivid intensity. The bold, energetic brushwork and strong contrast of the dark Prussian uniform against the warm face convey Blücher's legendary fighting spirit.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the fierce, determined expression Lawrence gives the seventy-two-year-old Blücher: the old warrior's fighting spirit is unmistakable.
- ◆Look at the bold, energetic brushwork: Lawrence's technique is more vigorous for Blücher than for his more refined Allied commanders.
- ◆Observe the dark Prussian uniform against the warm face: the color contrast emphasizes the intensity of Blücher's character.
- ◆Find the Royal Collection setting: Blücher's portrait stands among the Allied commanders at Windsor, the man whose timely arrival at Waterloo made victory certain.
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