Del Prado · Figure Study
Del Prado depicts Robert Craufurd standing in a red coat and dark trousers, with one arm extended and a paper or map held at his waist. His hat rests beside his feet. The uncovered head and directing gesture make this a more active portrait than an officer standing formally at attention.
Craufurd commanded the British Light Division in the Peninsular War. His reputation combined exacting discipline with the ability to move and control troops operating near the enemy. The 1810 date places the figure before the fatal wound he received during the storming of Ciudad Rodrigo in 1812, recorded in Parliament’s contemporary tribute. The model’s gesture suits command without identifying a particular order.
Review
The map and removed hat give the portrait useful individuality. The extended arm is expressive, while the grounded stance keeps it from becoming theatrical. It is a named commander with a clear activity, rather than a face attached to a generic general’s uniform.
From the OperationToyBox channel
Our conversation with Andy Neilson explores the story behind Del Prado. It provides background to the collection rather than a review of this individual figure.
Reference: Del Prado product identification. Review observations are based on the product reference photographs.
Related figures: Bavarian Dragoon Captain 1806–1811 · Spanish Foot Artillery Captain 1812.