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David MorierAn equestrian portrait of Field Marshal Sir John Ligonier, 1st Earl of Ligonier
About the Item
David Morier (c.1705–1770 London)
An equestrian portrait of Field Marshal Sir John Ligonier, 1st Earl of Ligonier (1680–1770)
Oil on canvas
Canvas size - 40 x 50 in
Framed size - 48 x 58 in
Provenance
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 28 November 2002, lot 166, for £43,020;
Private Collection, London.
David Morier’s equestrian portrait of Field Marshal Sir John Ligonier, 1st Earl of Ligonier (1680–1770) is a striking representation of military power and prestige in 18th-century Britain. As a celebrated officer of French Huguenot descent, Ligonier played a vital role in the British Army during the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years’ War, rising to the position of Commander-in-Chief. Morier’s painting not only captures the authority and grandeur of the field marshal but also serves as a visual testament to Britain’s military strength during this period.
In the portrait, Ligonier is depicted on a magnificent black horse, elegantly posed and adorned with gold-accented tack. His striking red coat with intricate gold embroidery and his polished breastplate immediately draw attention, reinforcing his high rank and battlefield experience. His expression is composed and authoritative, a man in complete command of both his steed and the battlefield. The inclusion of an expansive landscape behind him, filled with troops in formation, reinforces his role as a strategist and leader, overseeing the movements of war. The battle scene unfolding in the background is meticulously arranged, with soldiers lined up in neat regiments, capturing the rigid discipline of 18th-century warfare.
The artist, David Morier (c. 1705–1770), was a Swiss-born painter known for his military and equestrian portraits. He was appointed Painter to the Duke of Cumberland, the younger son of King George II, and became well known for his precise and highly detailed depictions of British officers and battle scenes. His works often celebrated military leaders, reinforcing their authority through grand, heroic compositions. Morier had a particular talent for rendering the intricate details of uniforms, weapons, and horses, which made his paintings both historically valuable and visually impressive. In this portrait, his skill is evident in the fine textures of the fabric, the polished shine of the armor, and the muscular realism of the horse, all contributing to an image of unwavering strength and command.
Beyond being a portrait, the painting reflects the broader themes of military propaganda and the glorification of war in the 18th century. Such images served not only as personal tributes to their subjects but also as powerful tools to reinforce the ideals of leadership, discipline, and British military dominance. Ligonier, having fought in major conflicts such as the Battle of Dettingen (1743) and the Battle of Lauffeld (1747), where he was briefly captured, embodied the resilience and tactical brilliance that Britain sought to celebrate. His rise to Commander-in-Chief of the British Army in 1757 solidified his legacy as one of the era’s most respected military figures.
Morier’s painting of Ligonier remains a remarkable example of 18th-century equestrian portraiture, seamlessly blending artistic skill with historical narrative. Through its rich colors, careful composition, and symbolic elements, it immortalizes the achievements of a man who played a significant role in shaping Britain’s military history. The work stands as both a personal homage to Ligonier’s career and a broader representation of the military ideals that defined the British aristocracy of the time.
- Creator:David Morier (1704 - 1770, Swiss)
- Dimensions:Height: 48 in (121.92 cm)Width: 58 in (147.32 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Stoke, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU446315748712
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