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Primary sourcePainting1783

Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis

Thomas Gainsborough · 1783

A 1783 portrait by Thomas Gainsborough showing Cornwallis in uniform shortly after his defeat and surrender at Yorktown.

This life portrait of Cornwallis was painted shortly after his surrender at Yorktown, showing his standing was not destroyed by defeat.

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Oval-framed oil portrait of a man in a red military coat with black collar and gold embroidery, white cravat, and powdered hair, shown against a dark background. Inscription at top reads 'Charles Earl Cornwallis 1783'.
Thomas Gainsborough, Portrait of Lord Cornwallis, 1783. National Portrait Gallery, London.

About this source

What it is

This oil portrait of Charles, Earl Cornwallis was painted by Thomas Gainsborough in 1783 and is held by the National Portrait Gallery in London. Cornwallis sat for it after returning to London following the Siege of Yorktown, and it was shown at the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition that year.

Why it matters

Though Cornwallis had just presided over Britain's major defeat in America, the portrait shows his career and reputation were not destroyed by it. Gainsborough painted it the same year peace was formally agreed, and Cornwallis went on to further prominent service, including as Governor-General in India and as a negotiator in Europe. The painting was considered a good likeness at the time.

Look closer

  • What does Cornwallis's confident pose and dress suggest about how he wanted to be seen after Yorktown?
  • Why might a defeated general still be painted in such a formal, dignified way?
  • What is left out of a portrait like this that a document or battle scene might show instead?

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Primary source

Articles of Capitulation, Yorktown

Charles Cornwallis; George Washington; Comte de Rochambeau; Comte de Barras · 19 October 1781

Large painting of a battlefield scene with a grey, stormy sky. On the left, British redcoat troops stand in lines beside a white flag. On the right, American troops in blue and buff stand beside a striped flag. In the center, a mounted commander on a white horse, with a figure in red uniform walking in front, faces the lines.Painting

Secondary source

Surrender of Lord Cornwallis

John Trumbull · 1819

Two-part painting. Left panel: a turbaned Indian ruler in a gold robe holds a document, while two young boys in white robes are led forward by a woman in white with a blue sash, surrounded by soldiers and onlookers. Right panel: British officers in red coats and blue facings, with powdered wigs and sashes, stand in a dark interior, one holding a hat near his chest.Painting

Secondary source

Lord Cornwallis receiving the Hostage Princes

Mather Brown · 1793

Open book-style document with handwritten text in two columns on cream paper, red wax seals hanging on ribbons, and signatures near the bottom of each column. Dark background.Document

Primary source

Treaty of Amiens

25 March 1802

First page of the Union with Ireland Act 1800 as printed in legislation.gov.uk format. Shows the royal coat of arms, title, chapter citation, preamble text and annotations about modifications.Document

Primary source

Acts of Union 1800

1800

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