Officer 2nd Bavarian Uhlanen Regiment, c.1816. The painting is 21 x 26 inches and a fine example of the military portrait style preferred in Germany during the Napoleonic era between 1810 and 1820. It is notable for the careful attention paid to the accurate representation of the distinctive uniform of the period. Although the coat now looks dark and bluish this is deceiving as, given the time that has passed since painting, and the effect on the pigments, it would originally have been dark green, which is correct for the Bavarian 2nd Uhlanen (lancer) Regiment. The uniform facings for this Regiment were changed to red in 1814 and the Regiment was disbanded in 1822, which helps to confirm the period during which the painting was completed. The cipher on the cross belt badge is MK for Konig Maximilian and the medal is the "Militär-Denkzeichen für 1813, 1814, 1815 für den Fürsten Wrede für Offiziere und Mannschaften" (Inscriptions FÜR - DIE - JAHRE - 1813 und 1814). The single gold lace bar on the collar determines that the Officer’s rank was 2nd Lieutenant. The painting was rebacked many years ago but is othertwise in original condition and signed in the bottom right corner by the artist, Karl Mattenheimer. There is no indication that it has ever been cleaned or subject to abuse; it has a fine modern gilt frame which highlights this splendid portrait.
The Bavarian 2nd Ulanen Regiment was formed according to the decree of 19 August 1813 that specified that it should initially be composed entirely from volunteers and organized in two squadrons. The depot squadron of the 1st Chevau-legers-lanciers in Munich was given the responsibility for the formation of the Regiment. By the 23rd November 1813, the first squadron was complete and mounted on 120 horses. The second squadron was completed on 11th January 1814 when the Regiment went into winter garrisons at Augsberg. The Commander was Major (later Colonel) Georg Freiherr v. Seckendorf. By September 1814 the Regiment had increased to a total strength of six active and one Depot Company, but saw no active military service during 1814 and 1815. However, it entered France with the army of occupation, but took no part in combat. By December of 1815 a total of 1222 Officers, N.C.O.’s and men were enrolled in six squadrons.
German fine art specialist and uniformologist Alfred Umhey, who reviewed this painting and the history of the Regiment, has authenticated it as a fine and extremely rare period example.
