Heroic Portrait of Polish General J. Poniatowski – 1836 Lithograph

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Heroic Portrait of Polish General J. Poniatowski – 1836 Lithograph by Last & Visser

A compelling 19th-century lithographic portrait of Prince Józef Antoni Poniatowski (1763–1813), one of Poland’s most celebrated military leaders and a national hero of the Napoleonic era. Depicted in resplendent military uniform, the prince is adorned with the Virtuti Militari and the Order of the White Eagle—Poland’s highest honors—symbolizing both his bravery and his high standing within European military circles. His poised expression, elaborate dress, and richly textured cloak evoke both noble dignity and Romantic-era heroism.

The portrait was originally drawn by the Dutch artist Carel Christiaan Anthony Last (1808–1876), whose signature appears at the lower left as “C.C.A. Last del.” The lithographic transfer was executed by A. van Visser, a lesser-known but skilled hand active in the Low Countries during the early 19th century. The work was published in 1836 by the well-known Swiss lithographer and publisher Karl Joseph Brodtmann of Zurich, who was particularly renowned for his high-quality prints in the fields of natural history, portraiture, and ethnography.

Poniatowski was not only a prince and nephew of the last King of Poland, but also served as Minister of War in the Duchy of Warsaw and was elevated to the rank of Marshal of France by Napoleon himself. His heroic death at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813, where he drowned during a rearguard action, sealed his legacy as a martyr of Polish nationalism. Prints such as this helped to enshrine his image in the cultural memory of 19th-century Europe.

This lithograph is an excellent example of international artistic collaboration, combining Dutch draftsmanship, lithographic execution in the Low Countries, and Swiss publishing to produce a portrait of both aesthetic and historical significance.

Condition: Good condition overall. The sheet shows some marginal foxing and water staining, particularly in the upper and lower right corners, oustide the image. The printed image remains sharp, with strong contrast and no visible wear or tears.

Framing tips: Best suited to a traditional frame in antique gold or dark wood, paired with an off-white or ivory mat. Consider museum glass for long-term preservation and to enhance the deep tonal quality of the lithograph.

Technique: Lithograph
Maker: Drawing by C.C.A. Last; lithographed by A. van Visser; published by Brodtmann, Zurich, 1836