Orlando Norie (1832-1901) - The Peninsular War

Norie was particularly renowned for his depictions of the British military and although painting long after the Napoleonic Wars, this was still a favourite subject area for him. This watercolour shows a fallen British redcoat soldier with his riffle still in hand. A woman and child immediately come to his aid to see if there is anything they can do. Norie has left this completely up to the viewer as the redcoat may yet survive. A battle is still raging to the right of the composition. The subtle small brush strokes of red suggest Norie has shown the British now on the other side of the river.
 
Medium: watercolour on paper, signed l.l. 'O. Norie', 13.1 x 20.2 cm, mounted.
 
Provenance: most likely from the Parker Gallery (2 Albermarle Street, London).