Mounting of the Guard

Art Historical Context

**Mounting of the Guard***Redpath, mid-19th century* *Oil on canvas 67.5 × 100 cm (26 9/16 × 39 3/8 in.)* "Mounting of the Guard by Redpath is a mid-19th-century oil canvas painting that evokes the pageantry of military life. Measuring an impressive 67.5 100 cm, this work captures a ceremonial moment likely depicting soldiers preparing for duty, a common motif in period art that celebrated discipline, uniforms, and equestrian prowess. Oil on canvas was the premier medium of the era, allowing artists to achieve luminous effects, rich textures in fabrics and horseflesh, and atmospheric depth suited to grand narrative scenes. Created during a time of rising nationalism and imperial expansion in Europe and America, the painting reflects the cultural fascination with military rituals as symbols of order and valor. Though Redpath remains lesser-known, the artwork's scale and subject suggest a skilled hand attuned to genre traditions, blending realism with dramatic flair. Today, it graces the National Gallery of Art's collection (Department: CAB), thanks to the generous gift of Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch. Visitors will appreciate how this piece transports us to the 19th century, offering a window into the era's sense of pomp and patriotism.