Daniel Maclise's cartoon for ‘The Meeting of Wellington and Blücher' is a preparatory drawing on an epic scale.
To coincide with the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo a rarely exhibited treasure of the RA's Collection, the Daniel Maclise cartoon, The Meeting of Wellington and Blücher after the Battle of Waterloo, will be on display after spending decades in storage.
Over 13 metres wide, it is one of the largest cartoons in the UK and was produced in preparation for a prestigious commission in the Houses of Parliament, where the the finished wall-painting is still on display. A work of monumental scale and drama it depicts one of the most significant battles in British history in incredible detail. (see our painting of the month).
Maclise was a prolific painter and illustrator who was much admired for his draughtsmanship and his outstanding skill is showcased in the Waterloo Cartoon. Completed from 1858–1859 he used extensive research and eye-witness accounts to inform the work. Remarkably the piece does not portray triumphalism or glorify war, instead highlighting the tragedy and suffering of this ferocious battle.
The cartoon has recently undergone conservation treatment, thanks to funding from the Arts Council England, to allow it to be presented during this significant occasion.
More information about the show and explanations about the exhibition and the conservation work that has been realised can be found here on the website of the Royal Academy.
TALK > The curator of Works on Paper at the RA, Annette Wickham, will explore the story behind this epic drawing by Daniel Maclise and consider why such a remarkable work has been hidden from public view for almost a century. (Monday 14th September at 1 pm, booking essential).
Opening times:
Saturday – Thursday 10am – 6pm
Friday 10am – 10pm
Address:
Weston Rooms, Burlington House, Royal Academy of Arts
Piccadilly
London W1J 0BD
UK
Prices:
Complimentary entry with a valid Royal Academy exhibition ticket or £3 General Admission ticket.
Friends of the RA go free.
Concessions are available for disabled visitors, students, over 60s, NADFAS and Art Fund members and people on income support.
There is also a catalogue available with a full pull-out reproduction of the cartoon, in which military expert Mark Murray-Flutter guides readers through the characters, equipment and arms portrayed in each scene.
Langue(s) : English