Daniel Maclise's cartoon for ‘The Meeting of Wellington and Blücher' is a preparatory drawing on an epic scale. To coincide with the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo this rarely exhibited treasure of the RA's Collection will be on display after spending decades in storage. Over 13 meters wide, it is one of the largest cartoons in the UK and was produced in preparation for a prestigious commission in the Houses of Parliament, where the the finished wall-painting is still on display. A work of monumental scale and drama it depicts one of the most significant battles in British history in incredible detail.
Maclise was a prolific painter and illustrator who was much admired for his draughtsmanship. Completed in 1858–1859, he used extensive research and eye-witness accounts to inform the work. Remarkably the piece does not portray triumphalism or glorify war but highlights the tragedy and suffering of this ferocious battle.
The cartoon has recently undergone conservation treatment, thanks to funding from the Arts Council England, to allow it to be presented during this significant occasion.