Del Prado 20th Light Dragoon, 1808: A Rearing Horse at the Start of the Peninsular War

Del Prado · Britain · Portugal · 1808

The rearing horse makes this Del Prado officer impossible to mistake for a quiet parade figure. A dark uniform and pale breeches keep the rider readable above the dramatic movement of the mount.

The horse’s lifted forequarters turn the figure into a vertical composition. The rider leans with the movement, and the reins become an important part of the visual connection between the two. Viewed from the side, the model has energy; viewed from the front, its outline is much more compressed.

The opening campaign in Portugal

The 20th Light Dragoons took part in the British campaign of 1808 and fought at Vimeiro. Their charge struck retreating French troops but carried the cavalry into a dangerous position. Colonel Taylor was among those killed. The regiment’s experience provides a concrete reminder that a successful initial charge could still end at considerable cost.

Wellesley’s victory at Vimeiro was followed by the controversial Convention of Cintra, which arranged the French evacuation of Portugal. Military success and the political handling of its aftermath became separate questions. The officer’s 1808 date belongs to that opening stage of the Peninsular War.

Inspect the load-bearing points

A rearing metal horse puts special visual and physical emphasis on the hind legs and base attachments. Look for cracks, repairs or distortion there. Also inspect the reins, the raised front legs and the rider’s connection to the saddle. A good side photograph should show the entire base.

The model benefits from open space around its upper half. Do not place it directly under a low shelf where the headgear or lifted horse could catch during handling. Measure its actual height rather than relying only on the scale in a dealer description.

Pair the officer with the 1795 light dragoon sergeant to compare two different moments and poses in British light cavalry. The later hussar of 1813 adds another stage, provided the captions retain the different dates and avoid suggesting that all three represent one regiment’s uniform progression.

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