The Eve of the Battle of Edge Hill, 1642
Charles Landseer1845
Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
Liverpool, United Kingdom
The subject of this painting is a council of war in the Royalist camp the day before the first battle of the English Civil War. King Charles I is accompanied by his commanders Prince Rupert (seated) and the Earl of Lindsey, pointing to the map. His sons, the future Kings Charles II and James II, play with a dog. Pre-figuring his ultimate defeat, the King has allowed his concentration to wander and is staring at the pretty maid serving a dish of bacon. Landseer’s more famous younger brother Edwin originally painted the dogs. These were later cut out and sold separately, while the main painting was repaired by an unknown artist.
- Title: The Eve of the Battle of Edge Hill, 1642
- Creator: Charles Landseer
- Creator Lifespan: 1799/1879
- Creator Nationality: British
- Creator Gender: Male
- Creator Death Place: London, England
- Creator Birth Place: London, England
- Date Created: 1845
- tag / style: English civil war; Royalty; animals; council of war; Royalist; camp; battle; King Charles I; commander; Prince Rupert; seated; Earl of Lindsey; map; sons' King Charles II; James II; dog; maid; bacon; horse; soldiers; flagon; table; armour; hat; feather; tree; satchel; bag; papers; seal; gloves; boots; landscape; Edge Hill; inn; steps; flag; history; narrative; Battle of Edge Hill; Charles Landseer
- Physical Dimensions: w2137 x h1410 cm (Without frame)
- Additional artwork information: To learn more about the ‘St John's Wood Clique’, which Landseer was a part of, please follow this link to our online feature; http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker/collections/andwhendidyoulastseeyourfather/circle/index.aspx
- Type: Oil on canvas
- Rights: Purchased in 1885
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