David Morier

Key facts

Lived

1705–1770, Swiss^[1]

Movement

• portrait

^[1]

Works held in

4 museums

Wikipedia

View article

• William Augustus (1721–1765), Duke of Cumberland on a Grey Charger

  Chequers

  Wycombe, United Kingdom

  1 works

  Museum detailsMap

Plan your visit to see David Morier →

• What is David Morier known for?+

  David Morier is known for his detailed military uniform panels and equestrian portraits. His 52 large panels depict British infantry regiment uniforms, and he also painted portraits of George II, George III, and the Godolphin Arabian.
• What should I know about David Morier's prints?+

  David Morier (circa 1705^[1]-1770^[1]) was a Swiss^[1] painter who spent much of his career in Britain. He is best known for his military and equestrian subjects, often depicting scenes from specific battles or events. Morier received commissions from prominent figures, including William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland. One important commission was a series of paintings documenting the Battle of Culloden in 1746^[1]. These works aimed to portray Cumberland's victory and the defeat of the Jacobite forces. Cumberland recognised the propaganda value of such images. Morier's style is characterised by attention to detail in depicting uniforms, weaponry, and horses. His battle scenes often feature dramatic compositions and attempts at realistic portrayals of conflict. However, some scholars have noted that his depictions can be somewhat idealised. Prints of Morier's paintings were produced and circulated, increasing the accessibility of his work to a wider audience. These prints offer valuable insights into mid-18th century military history and the visual culture of the time. They also reflect the political climate and the efforts to shape public opinion through art.
• What style or movement did David Morier belong to?+

  David Morier (1705^[1]-1770^[1]) was a Swiss^[1] artist who spent most of his career in Britain, where he became known for his military and equestrian paintings. He is not associated with a particular movement or school, but his work aligns with the traditions of British sporting art and military portraiture that developed during the 18th century. Morier's paintings often feature detailed depictions of horses, soldiers, and battle scenes. These paintings were intended to commemorate military achievements and celebrate the power and prestige of the British armed forces. His style is characterised by realistic portrayals, attention to detail, and a focus on capturing the likenesses of his subjects. Morier's work provides valuable insights into the military history and artistic tastes of 18th-century Britain.
• What techniques or materials did David Morier use?+

  David Morier was active in an era when artists experimented with painting media and techniques. Some sought to improve older methods, while others devised new ones to imitate oil painting using simpler means. Many also hoped to rediscover the 'lost' techniques of the Old Masters. One method popular in the eighteenth century was encaustic painting, which used coloured wax and required a hot plate to fuse the final composition. Eludoric painting was another technique; it involved applying a thin film of water to the support and then painting in oil under water. This allowed the artist to judge the quality of brushstrokes and see the dark colours without adding varnish. Glass painting and glass transfer techniques were also used. These methods allowed artists to learn painting without needing to learn how to draw.
• What was David Morier known for?+

  David Morier (circa 1705^[1]-1770^[1]) was a Swiss^[1] painter who spent most of his career in Britain. He is best known for his military and equestrian paintings, especially those depicting the Battle of Culloden. Morier received artistic training in Geneva. By 1743^[1], he was employed by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland. Cumberland commissioned Morier to paint a series of regimental portraits for the British Army. These paintings, which are quite uniform, typically showed each regiment's officer and standard-bearer. His most famous work is "An Incident in the Battle of Culloden" (1746), also known as "The Battle of Culloden". It presents a dramatic, if somewhat idealised, version of the conflict. Cumberland is shown in the centre on horseback, receiving the surrender of a Jacobite officer. The painting was very popular and helped to cement Cumberland's image as a national hero, though tastes later shifted. Morier's other works include portraits and sporting scenes. He was a competent, if not exceptional, artist who benefited from royal patronage. His images provide valuable information about the appearance of the British military during the mid-18th century.
• When did David Morier live and work?+

  David Morier was active as a painter in England during the mid-18th century. The Saint Martin's Lane Academy, a London school of drawing and painting, was moved in 1720^[1]. William Hogarth revived it in 1734; it then became a hub of Rococo stylistic activity, with teachers including Hogarth, Hubert Gravelot, Francis Hayman, and Louis-François Roubiliac. By 1746, Canaletto had relocated to London, hoping to find success selling view pictures to gentlemen on the grand tour; however, by 1755, his talents were being questioned. In 1760, George III became king. The first Society of Artists exhibition took place in London that same year. The Royal Academy of Arts was established in England in 1768, with Joshua Reynolds as president. Thomas Gainsborough exhibited The Blue Boy at the Royal Academy exhibition in 1770^[1].
• Where can I see David Morier's work?+

  David Morier (circa 1705^[1]-1770^[1]) was a Swiss^[1] painter who spent much of his career in Britain. He is best known for his military and equestrian paintings, often depicting specific battles and regiments. Morier's most significant patron was Prince William, Duke of Cumberland. Cumberland commissioned a series of paintings documenting the uniforms of the British Army, now known as the "Duke of Cumberland's Series". These paintings are held at Windsor Castle, part of the Royal Collection. Access is limited, but some works are occasionally displayed in exhibitions. Other works by Morier are in public collections, including the National Army Museum in London. This museum holds several of his military paintings, offering insight into 18th-century warfare and military dress. The Tate in London also possesses some examples of his work, although these may not always be on display. Smaller collections, such as those at Firle Place in Sussex, may also hold paintings by Morier. Checking the online catalogues of these institutions is advisable before planning a visit.
• Who did David Morier influence?+

  David Morier (circa 1705^[1]-1770^[1]) was a Swiss^[1]-born painter who spent much of his career in Britain. He is primarily known for his military and equestrian subjects, often depicting scenes from battles and campaigns. It is difficult to identify specific artists who were directly influenced by Morier's style. However, his work certainly contributed to the development of military painting in Britain. His detailed depictions of soldiers, horses, and battle formations set a standard for later artists who worked in this genre. Morier's influence can be seen in the work of some of his contemporaries and successors who also specialised in military subjects. These include artists such as John Wootton (circa 1682-1764^[1]) and, later, George Stubbs (1724^[1]-1806), although Stubbs is better known for his paintings of animals. While it is not possible to draw a straight line of influence, Morier's paintings helped to popularise military art and create a market for it, which in turn supported the work of other artists in this field. His paintings offer valuable insights into the appearance of warfare during the 18th century.
• Who influenced David Morier?+

  David Morier (circa 1705^[1]-1770^[1]) was a Swiss^[1] painter who spent much of his career in Britain. He is best known for his paintings of battles and military subjects, particularly those related to the Jacobite rising of 1745^[1]. Morier's artistic influences are not extensively documented, but some inferences can be made based on his style and subject matter. As a painter of military scenes, he likely drew inspiration from earlier artists who specialised in battle painting. These might include painters such as Jacques Courtois (called Il Borgognone, 1621-1675^[1]), a French-Italian artist known for his dynamic battle scenes. Furthermore, Morier's employment by the Duke of Cumberland suggests a degree of influence from British equestrian and sporting art. Artists such as John Wootton (circa 1682-1764), who painted horses and hunting scenes, were popular in Britain during Morier's time. While Morier's primary focus was military, the anatomical accuracy and dynamic poses of his horses suggest familiarity with the conventions of British sporting art. Further research into the collections and artistic circles in which Morier moved might reveal more specific influences.
• Who was David Morier?+

  David Morier (circa 1705^[1]-1770^[1]) was a Swiss^[1] painter who spent most of his career in Britain. He is best known for his military and equestrian paintings, often depicting scenes from the War of the Austrian Succession (1740^[1]-1748^[1]). Morier's early life is not well documented. He was born in Switzerland, and it is believed he received some artistic training there. By the 1740s, he was working in London, where he gained recognition for his paintings of battles and military figures. Many of his works were commissioned by members of the British aristocracy and military establishment. He was employed by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, painting a series of pictures of the Battle of Culloden. Morier's style is characterised by attention to detail in military uniforms and equipment, as well as dynamic compositions that capture the energy of battle. His equestrian portraits were also highly regarded, and he produced numerous paintings of horses and their riders. Although not considered among the very top tier of British painters, Morier was a successful and respected artist in his time, and his works provide valuable insights into the military history of the 18th century.
• Why are David Morier's works important today?+

  David Morier was a Swiss^[1] artist who worked in Britain during the 18th century. He is best known for his paintings of military subjects, particularly his depictions of the Battle of Culloden. These works offer a contemporary visual record of a conflict that had a significant impact on British history. They present details of uniforms, weapons, and battle formations. As such, they are valuable resources for historians and military enthusiasts. Beyond their historical importance, Morier's paintings are notable for their artistic skill. He was adept at capturing the movement and chaos of battle, and his portraits of individual soldiers are often striking and individualised. His work provides insight into the lives and experiences of soldiers during this period. Although not as widely recognised as some of his contemporaries, Morier's contribution to British art and historical documentation remains significant.
• When was David Morier born?+

  David Morier was born in 1705^[1]. David Morier died in 1770^[1], aged 65.