William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1721-65) at the Battle of Dettingen Signed and dated 1744
Oil on canvas | 164.5 x 133.4 x 7.8 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 407465
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John Wootton, one of the earliest native English painters, was extensively patronised by the Royal family during the reign of George II: Queen Caroline visited his studio in 1732, by which time he was already working for her son, Frederick, Prince of Wales. The Duke of Cumberland, mounted full-length on his brown horse, wearing the red uniform of the First Guards, ribbon and star of the Garter; he points with his sword in his right hand to battle in the distance, where a company of the 1st Foot Guards is visible. This equestrian portrait was commissioned by Frederick, Prince of Wales and hung at Leicester House, along with Wootton’s huge battle scenes from Marlborough’s campaigns (OM 551-2, 407182 and 407184). The joint attribution to Wootton and Hudson (who can only have executed the head) derives from John Faber’s print after this image, which also reports that it hung at Leicester House. Signed J. Wootton Fecit 1744’ and inscribed ‘The Battle of Dettingen Won by his Majesty June16/27 1743’ The alternative dates refer to the move from the Julian to the Gregorian Calendar which happened in Britain in 1752 and involved ‘losing’ eleven days.
Provenance
Painted for Frederick, Prince of Wales; recorded in the King's Dning Room at Buckingham Palace in 1819 (no 742);
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
164.5 x 133.4 x 7.8 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
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Object type(s)