John Faber, William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, mezzotint after a painting by John Wootton and Thomas Hudson

William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1721-65) was the fourth son of George II (king of Great Britain and elector of Hanover, 1727-60). He led the cavalry into battle, not only with success at Dettingen in 1743, as shown here, and at Culloden in 1746, but also to defeat at Fontenoy in 1745, at Laffeldt in 1747 and at Hastenbeck in 1757. This last battle allowed the French to take over Hanover and Cumberland was relieved of his role as commander-in-chief of the army. Cumberland is remembered in Scotland as 'Butcher Cumberland' for the summary executions and destruction of homes in the Highlands after the defeat of the Jacobite rebellion, but to contemporary England he was a hero.This print is based on a painting commissioned by Cumberland's older brother, Frederick, Prince of Wales in 1744. It was a joint production by John Wootton (1682-1764), who specialized in equestrian subjects, and Thomas Hudson (1701-79) who painted the head and shoulders of the Duke. This print became the prime image of Cumberland as a victorious general. It was the source for a vast number of less expensive versions - from Faber's own version of the head of the Duke alone, to numerous cheap prints and inn signs throughout England.