William Heath (1795-1840)

Napoleon on Horseback, St. Helena

細節
William Heath (1795-1840)
Napoleon on Horseback, St. Helena
signed and dated 'W Heath.Del 1816' (centre right) and indistinctly inscribed on the reverse with the story of Napoleon's attempt to escape
pencil and watercolour
8¾ x 11¼ in. (22.2 x 28.6 cm.)

拍品專文

The inscription on the reverse relates how Bonaparte, in captivity on the island of St. Helena, attempted to give his escort the slip when out riding. He spurred his horse 'up an almost impossible track in the rocks' leaving the British Captain to risk breaking his neck in pursuit, or ride five miles round to meet the path on the other side of the mountain. The story was seized on by Heath, a portraitist and engraver of military subjects, who published various series of engravings depicting 'The Wars of Wellington'.