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Image Licensing : Pieneman - General Sir George Cooke N070456
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Pieneman - General Sir George Cooke N070456
APSLEY HOUSE, London. General Sir George Cooke (1768-1837) sketched by Jan Willem PIENEMAN in 1821 (WM 1478-1948). In 1815 at the Battle of Waterloo, Major-General Cooke commanded 1st Division (Foot Guards), who successfully defended the Chateau of Hougoumont theroughout the day. He lost his right arm during the battle. Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England
Media ID 4572005
Filename: N070456.jpg
Size: 3855 x 5000 (19.8MB)
Date: 17th January 2011
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Photo Library
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: English Heritage Images
Owner URL: www.englishheritageimages.com
Georgian Military Painting Waterloo
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative sketch captures the indomitable spirit of General Sir George Cooke, a British military hero of the Napoleonic Wars, as immortalized by the skilled hand of Dutch artist Jan Willem Pieneman in 1821. The portrait, now held at Apsley House in London (WM 1478-1948), was created some seven years after Cooke's pivotal role in the Battle of Waterloo. In 1815, as Major-General commanding the 1st Division (Foot Guards), Cooke led his troops in the defense of the Chateau of Hougoumont throughout the day. This crucial position, located to the north of the battlefield, delayed the French advance and bought valuable time for the Allied forces to regroup. The tenacious resistance of Cooke's men, despite heavy casualties, is considered a turning point in the battle. Tragically, during the fierce fighting, Cooke lost his right arm. Despite this grievous injury, he continued to command his troops, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to duty and an indomitable spirit that would become a defining characteristic of his military career. Pieneman's masterful sketch captures the essence of this remarkable man, with his piercing gaze and resolute posture, encapsulating the courage, determination, and leadership that defined General Sir George Cooke. The portrait serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military leaders like Cooke during the Napoleonic Wars and the enduring legacy of the Battle of Waterloo.
