Comrades, the 42nd Highlanders

Image credit: The Black Watch Castle & Museum

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The original version of this work was painted by Gibb in 1878 and is currently unlocated. The painting became iconic. While reading a life of Napoleon, the artist made a sketch of the retreat from Moscow. The dominant group of three figures in the foreground was then isolated and adapted to form an independent composition depicting a young soldier whispering his dying message to a comrade who seeks to comfort him in the snowy wastes of the Crimean winter. During the winter of 1854–1855 The Black Watch suffered particularly heavy losses from the severe weather and disease. This painting was purchased by Archibald Ramsden, a major patron of the artist, and was in his possession in 1897. The Museum holds a fine autograph replica in oils, signed and dated 1894.

The Black Watch Castle & Museum

Perth

Title

Comrades, the 42nd Highlanders

Date

1894

Medium

oil on canvas 

Measurements

H 90 x W 70 cm

Accession number

B240

Acquisition method

gift from Mrs E. F. Webster, 1993; on loan to The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland

Work type

Painting

Inscription description

Robert Gibb

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The Black Watch Castle & Museum

Balhousie Castle, Hay Street, Perth, Perth and Kinross PH1 5HR Scotland

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.
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