Traumatized by War

Irish artist Hugh Douglas Hamilton painted this portrait of Richard Mansergh St. George, capturing how St. George appeared following the war in America. The wounded veteran wore a black silk cap to conceal his injury and a matching black robe. His distinctive clothing choice reflected his pain, but more so his flair for the dramatic. Contemporaries recorded how St. George caught their attention when he entered a room. He often shared stories about his experience in America and drew sketches of his pain-induced hallucinations for people curious to hear about war and its effects.

Richard Mansergh St. George
Painted by Hugh Douglas Hamilton
1790s
Oil on Panel
Private Collection