Del Prado · Figure Study
This Del Prado captain wears a dark blue uniform with red cuffs, gold-colored distinctions and a tall shako. He stands with a sword at his side. The model represents an artillery officer on foot, rather than a gunner operating a cannon; no artillery piece accompanies him.
The historical setting
Spain’s regular armed forces continued to fight during the Peninsular War alongside the better-known guerrilla activity. Artillery officers belonged to that regular military organization, responsible for a technical arm that demanded trained crews and material support. The 1812 date places this subject within the continuing struggle to remove French control from the peninsula.
Review
The restrained dark uniform is enlivened by the red and gold details. I like the clear distinction between this officer and a working gun crew: the sculpt’s interest is rank and dress. It adds a Spanish regular-army subject to a period often represented mainly by British and French figures.
Reference: Del Prado product identification. Review observations are based on the product reference photographs.
Related figures: General Robert Craufurd 1810 · Austrian Cuirassier Officer 1796.