Thomas Gordon (1788-1841) soldier and historian; Major-General in the Greek Army

Karl Krazeisen (1794 - 1878)
Franz Hanfstaengl (1804 - 1877)
Josef Anton Selb (1784 - 1832)

Colour lithograph

published 1828-1831

Share this:

License this image

Image of Thomas Gordon (1788-1841) soldier and historian; Major-General in the Greek Army
  • About the work
    Location
    Country: UK
    City: London
    Place: Government Art Collection

    This lithographic portrait of the soldier and historian Thomas Gordon shows the sitter dressed in Greek uniform, with an epaulette (ornamental shoulder piece) and aiguillette (braided loops) on his shoulder, a high belt and a sash around his waist with two pistols tucked into the embroidered belt. He also holds a cartridge box under his right arm, has a sword at his side and a turban on his head. Behind Gordon, palm trees and an Eastern building can be seen. Below the image is a facsimile of Gordon’s signature.

  • About the artist
    Karl Krazeisen entered the Bavarian army in 1812 and took part in the 1813-14 war against Napoleon’s forces. From November 1826 to April 1827 he fought in the battles of the Acropolis, in Athens (Battle of Phaleron). On his return to Munich he was promoted to general of infantry. Krazeisen was not a professional artist. During his time in Greece he drew the portraits of heroes of the war, as well as sketching camps, costumes, uniforms and battle plans. Krazeisen returned to Munich in 1827, where he published his Greek album. He was subsequently awarded the Greek Order of the Redeemer.
    Bavarian artist Josef Anton Selb lithographed portraits of several German rulers. He was the father of the artist and lithographer August Selb (born 1812/13).
  • Explore
    People
    Thomas Gordon (1788 - 1841)
    Places
    Subjects
    male portrait, moustache, 19th century costume, military uniform, sword, pistol, major general, Greek War of Independence, mosque, minaret
    Materials & Techniques
    lithograph, colour lithograph
  • Details
    Artist
    Karl Krazeisen (1794 - 1878)
    Franz Hanfstaengl (1804 - 1877)
    Josef Anton Selb (1784 - 1832)
    Title
    Thomas Gordon (1788-1841) soldier and historian; Major-General in the Greek Army
    Date
    published 1828-1831
    Medium
    Colour lithograph
    Acquisition
    Presented by the diplomatic staff of the British Embassy, Athens, November 1956
    Provenance
    Purchased by Anthony Lambert, Embassy Counsellor, from an un-named bookshop in Athens; presented by diplomatic staff of the British Embassy, Athens, in 1956
    GAC number
    3651/1