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Fine Art Print : The Deserter Apprehended, 1815 circa (oil on canvas)
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The Deserter Apprehended, 1815 circa (oil on canvas)
5919846 The Deserter Apprehended, 1815 circa (oil on canvas) by Smirke, Robert (1752-1845); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: The Deserter Apprehended, 1815 circa.
Oil on canvas by Robert Smirke (1753-1845), 1815 circa.
In a cottage parlour, the deserters wife swoons in a chair while the mans hands are tied by a soldier with his sergeant; unable to prevent the removal of the young man by the armed soldiers, the couples family attend to his wife.
The majority of deserters were young soldiers in their first few years of service who found it hard to accept the rigours of army life. Desertion was also common just before going on campaign overseas, with soldiers at home on furlough (leave) failing to return to camp. Military regulations restricted the number of wives who were allowed to accompany the Army on campaign to six per company (about 100 men), so the prospect of leaving loved ones at home, perhaps for some years, was a strong incentive for desertion. Some families accompanied the regiment without permission, but no provision was made for them and they had to survive on what little provisions their husbands could spare them.
Despite the criminal nature of desertion which could be punishable by branding, imprisonment or even death, paintings such as this were intended to arouse sympathy for the culprit and his family. The scene is set in a simple cottage interior, with a clean white tablecloth and neatly-dressed wife and child. However, the domestic happiness is thrown into violent disarray by the arrival of the armed soldiers. The smashed pot on the floor mirrors the breaking-up of the family unit. The artist, Robert Smirke, specialised in such theatrical and literary scenes, while his well-known radical views caused King George III to refuse his appointment as Keeper of the Royal Academy.); © National Army Museum
Media ID 26407334
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
20"x16" (+3" Border) Fine Art Print
Experience the rich history and intrigue of the Napoleonic Wars with our exquisite fine art print of "The Deserter Apprehended" by Robert Smirke. This oil on canvas masterpiece, dating back to circa 1815, is now part of the National Army Museum's esteemed collection in London. The detailed and vivid depiction of the moment of capture brings the past to life, making this a must-have addition to any art enthusiast's collection or historical decor. Embrace the beauty and storytelling power of this iconic work of art with our high-quality fine art print from Media Storehouse.
20x16 image printed on 26x22 Fine Art Rag Paper with 3" (76mm) white border. Our Fine Art Prints are printed on 300gsm 100% acid free, PH neutral paper with archival properties. This printing method is used by museums and art collections to exhibit photographs and art reproductions.
Our fine art prints are high-quality prints made using a paper called Photo Rag. This 100% cotton rag fibre paper is known for its exceptional image sharpness, rich colors, and high level of detail, making it a popular choice for professional photographers and artists. Photo rag paper is our clear recommendation for a fine art paper print. If you can afford to spend more on a higher quality paper, then Photo Rag is our clear recommendation for a fine art paper print.
Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 49cm x 40.6cm (19.3" x 16")
Estimated Product Size is 66cm x 55.9cm (26" x 22")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with landscape (horizontal) orientation to match the source image.
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The Deserter Apprehended, 1815 circa
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a poignant oil painting by Robert Smirke that captures the heart-wrenching consequences of desertion in the military during the early 19th century. The scene unfolds in a humble cottage parlour, where the deserter's wife collapses in distress as her husband's hands are bound by a soldier and his sergeant. Helpless to prevent his removal, their family gathers around to console her. Desertion was prevalent among young soldiers struggling with the harsh realities of army life or faced with leaving loved ones behind when going on campaign overseas. Military regulations limited the number of wives allowed to accompany soldiers on campaigns, leaving many families separated for extended periods. Some desperate families even followed without permission, surviving on meager provisions provided by their husbands. Despite its criminal nature and severe punishments such as branding or death, this painting aims to evoke sympathy for both the deserter and his family. The artist portrays a seemingly idyllic domestic setting disrupted by armed soldiers bursting into their lives. A shattered pot symbolizes the fracture within this once-unified family unit. Robert Smirke was known for his theatrical and literary scenes, often invoking empathy through dramatic storytelling. His radical views led King George III to reject him as Keeper of the Royal Academy. This print from Fine Art Finder allows viewers to reflect upon an era marked by sacrifice, hardship, and torn loyalties within military families.
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