The Black Brunswicker by Millais: A Farewell Before Waterloo

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A farewell before Waterloo

A young officer in the black uniform of the Duke of Brunswick’s regiment says goodbye to the woman he loves. She tries to hold the door shut so he cannot leave. The Black Brunswickers fought against Napoleon in 1815, and many died at Quatre Bras just before Waterloo.

John Everett Millais painted the scene in 1860. It belongs to the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight.

A tender, sad farewell

Soldier looking down at the woman, who looks away — A tender, sad farewell.

The officer looks down at her lovingly; she looks away, eyes lowered, unable to face his departure. The model for the woman was Kate Dickens, daughter of the novelist Charles Dickens.

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A death’s-head badge

Skull-and-crossbones badge and red bow on white satin — The death’s-head badge.

On his uniform, a silver skull-and-crossbones badge marks the Black Brunswickers, who swore to avenge their duke. Her white satin dress, with a red bow, contrasts sharply with the black uniform.

Hand on the door handle — A quiet tug of war.

Her hand reaches for the door handle, while his arm pushes it open. A quiet tug of war takes place.

Napoleon on the wall, a dog at their feet

On the green wall hangs an engraving of Napoleon crossing the Alps, a reminder of the enemy he is going to face.

At their feet, a small black dog with a red ribbon looks up, begging for attention.

Questions about The Black Brunswicker

Who were the Black Brunswickers?

A German volunteer corps that fought Napoleon, known for their black uniforms and skull badge.

Who modelled for the woman?

Kate Dickens, daughter of Charles Dickens.

Where is it?

Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight.

When was it painted?

In 1860.

Sources and image credit

Public-domain reproduction of The Black Brunswicker (1860), via Wikimedia Commons. Detail images are crops of the same historical painting; no reconstruction or upscaling.