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John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough at the Siege of Tournai, 1709 (oil on canvas)
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John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough at the Siege of Tournai, 1709 (oil on canvas)
5928951 John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough at the Siege of Tournai, 1709 (oil on canvas) by Wootton, John (1686-1765) (after); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough at the Siege of Tournai, 1709.
Oil on canvas by John Wootton (1682-1764), 1720 (c).
On 3 September 1709, during the War of the Spanish Succession (1702-1713), the French fortress of Tournai, under the command of Marshal de Villars, was captured by an army commanded by the Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugene of Savoy.
Tournai, designed by Louis XIVAs famous military architect, marquis de Vauban, was a tough nut to crack. The Allies surrounded the fortress in late June, but it held out until September. Besieging it cost Marlborough over 5, 000 men and the fighting included extensive mining operations.
Unlike Malplaquet and Mons, MarlboroughAs other great victories of 1709, there are very few depictions of Tournai. Marlborough is so closely associated with all of his victories that he dominates the iconography of them, as here.
Wootton painted a number of works of MarlboroughAs campaigns, often borrowing details from Louis LaguerreAs murals at Blenheim Palace. He also shows the influence of his teacher, Jan Wyck, from whom he appears to have copied the mule train in this work.); eNational Army Museum; English, out of copyright
Media ID 22562656
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
Army Organisation Siege Warfare Staff
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the iconic figure of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, during the historic Siege of Tournai in 1709. Painted by John Wootton in 1720, this oil on canvas masterpiece captures the intensity and grandeur of one of Marlborough's greatest victories. The Siege of Tournai was a pivotal moment during the War of the Spanish Succession, where Marlborough and Prince Eugene led an army to capture the formidable French fortress under Marshal de Villars' command. Designed by renowned military architect Vauban, Tournai proved to be a challenging obstacle for the Allies. Wootton's painting beautifully depicts Marlborough as he dominates the scene with his commanding presence. The artist skillfully borrowed details from Louis Laguerre's murals at Blenheim Palace and incorporated influences from his teacher Jan Wyck. Interestingly, there are very few depictions available that portray Marlborough's triumph at Tournai compared to his other notable victories like Malplaquet and Mons. This scarcity adds even more significance to this particular artwork. As we admire this remarkable piece, let us reflect on not only Marlborough's strategic brilliance but also on the sacrifices made during this intense siege. It serves as a testament to both military prowess and artistic talent—a timeless tribute capturing a defining moment in history.
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