General George Eliott 1790

Mather Brown's "General George Eliott" (1790), currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a striking portrait of a British military leader. The imposing figure of General Eliott stands in full military regalia, his hand outstretched towards the fiery chaos behind him. The dramatic composition, with its depiction of a battlefield in the background, speaks to Eliott's heroism and leadership during the Great Siege of Gibraltar. This style of portraiture, highlighting the subject's bravery, was popular during the 18th century, and Brown masterfully captures the essence of a seasoned military commander.