Lot 1203: Samuel William Reynolds (1773-1835), after James Northcote, R.A.

Samuel William Reynolds (1773-1835), after James Northcote, R.A.
Pope Pius VI. receiving the Officers of the 12th Light Dragoons
mezzotint on laid paper, good impression with margins, published by S.W.Reynolds, London, 1813
unframed
S. 28¾ x 20¾in. (73 x 52.7cm.)

Samuel W. Reynolds, Engraver Whitman 467

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The 12th Light Dragoons landed in Italy in 1794 and the conduct of the officers and men attracted the notice of Pope Pius VI, whose thanks to the regiment were communicated in a letter from the Vatican, dated May 30th 1794. The Pope distributed twelve gold medals among the officers, to commemorate the visit.

"Some of the of the officers proceeded to Rome, and had the honour of being introduced to the Pope, who received them in a very gracious manner, and taking a helmet into his hand, ejaculated a wish 'that Heaven would enable the cause of truth and religion to triumph over injustice and infidelity', and he then placed it on Captain Browne's head" (Cannon's "Records of the British Army").