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A soldier relating his exploits in a tavern, 1821

This painting by John Cawse depicts a veteran of Waterloo regaling his fellow tavern-goers with tales of past glory. Here, we take a closer look to discover what the artwork tells us about soldiers and society in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars.

2 minute read

Art and Literature Napoleonic Wars Waterloo Soldier Army in Art

The bigger picture

The Battle of Waterloo (18 June 1815) proved to be the final defeat of the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. It was a decisive event in determining the subsequent history of Europe.

Produced six years on from the battle, this painting depicts a soldier holding forth to a small but attentive audience. Clues within the artwork suggest that he's proudly recounting his own experiences of that famous campaign.

Tall tales

While the onlookers are undeniably amused, there is a suggestion that they may be a little sceptical of the soldier's story. This is perhaps a subtle reflection of the ambiguous place of the redcoat in British society during the early 19th century.

See it on display

Come and see this playful painting in our Soldier gallery, displayed alongside other items that provide insights into the transition from military to civilian life.

Visit the Soldier gallery