William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1721–1765)

Image credit: National Army Museum

How you can use this image

This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).

Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.

The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

Cumberland was the third and favourite son of George II. In April 1743, during the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748), he saw action at the Battle of Dettingen, where he was wounded in the leg. In 1745, he commanded the Allied army against the French in the desperate Battle of Fontenoy where, ignoring advice, he attacked a strongly-defended position, losing the day with heavy casualties.

When Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in Scotland and led his supporters (Jacobites) in an invasion of England, Cumberland was recalled from the Low Countries to take command of the King's forces. On 27 April 1746 (Modern Calendar; 16 April 1746 Old Style), he crushed the Jacobites at the Battle of Culloden.

Convinced that harsh measures were required to suppress the uprising, Cumberland licensed his forces to commit atrocities against the Jacobites which earned him the nickname of ‘the Butcher’.
Title

William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (1721–1765)

Date

c.1750

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 50.8 x W 40.7 cm

Accession number

NAM. 1978-03-40

Acquisition method

purchased at Christie’s, 1978

Work type

Painting

Tags

See a tag that’s incorrect or offensive? Challenge it and notify Art UK.

Help improve Art UK. Tag artworks and verify existing tags by joining the Tagger community.

Normally on display at

National Army Museum

Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, Greater London SW3 4HT England

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.
View venue