The Sardinian Polka

Category

Library Item

Item no

36491

Title

The Sardinian Polka

Description

Song sheet illustration for The Sardinian Polka, composed by Charles D'Albert.

Artist / maker

Brandard, John

Date

1860

Type

Music score; Reproduction

Location

Music Library

This illustration by the eminent lithographer John Brandard shows a portrait of Victor Emanuel the second, the King of Sardinia from 1849 - 1861. The illustrator John Brandard shows Victor Emanuel on his horse, in military attire emphasizing his status as a great battle strategist and respected fighter. The figure of Emanuel clothed in sombre military attire is contrasted with the white of his stallion, placed on rocks gazing outwards.

This illustration is typical of John Brandard's painterly style in his approach to chromolithography and demonstrates his masterful use of colour and tone to imbue an illustration with a particular atmosphere, in this instance to tell a story of regal importance and great military prowess. Behind the figure of Victor Emanuel and the horse the soft yellow brown hues of the sunset illuminate the hills creating distance and atmosphere.

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Related subjects

Animals > Mammals > Horses

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Beards

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Boots

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Helmets

Clothing and dress > Garments > Capes

Clothing and dress > Garments > Military

Landscape > Land > Hills

People > Military activities > Generals

People > Politics and government > Kings