Portret van generaal Charles Pichegru

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

This striking 1795 engraving by British-born artist Charles Howard Hodges captures General Charles Pichegru, a prominent figure in the French Revolutionary Wars. At the time, Pichegru commanded the of the North, leading troops to a decisive victory resulted in the occupation the Dutch Republic. Created during this pivotal year, the portrait reflects the era’s fascination with military leaders who embodied revolutionary ideals and shifting European power dynamics. Hodges, who had settled in Amsterdam and specialized in portraiture, employed the engraving technique to produce a detailed and reproducible image. This medium allowed the likeness to circulate widely among collectors and the public, serving both commemorative propagandistic purposes in an age before photography. The substantial size—42.2 by 30.5 centimeters—further suggests it was intended for prominent displayThe presence of collector’s mark Lugt 2228 indicates the print once belonged to a distinguished collection, underscoring its enduring historical and artistic value. Through Hodges’s skilled line work, viewers today can glimpse both the individual and the turbulent moment he helped shape.

About the Artist

Charles Howard Hodges · 1764–1837

Comment on works: Portraits; Engraver