Austria, Empire. A Framed Portrait of Lazar Mamula, by Wilhelm Richter, c. 1853

A well-preserved, hand-painted portrait of then-Feldmarschalleutnant and later-Governor of Dalmatia Lazar Mamula. Presented on a pressed wooden backer, the image depicts Mamula in full dress uniform, clutching a bicorne and parade sword, and wearing a Military Long Service Decoration which has been executed in recognizable detail. The subject is flanked on the right by the signature of noted Austrian artist Wilhelm Richter (1824-1892). It is inset within an oval, plastered wooden frame, and secured in place at the reverse with four magnetic metal rivets. A bronze suspension loop emanates from the top edge, and is partially covered by a framer’s label reading “LEOPOLDO CALVI, MILANO”. The frame measures 39 cm (w) x 44.5 cm (h). Fine cracks consistent with age are visible to the image, and the frame demonstrates moderate chipping and scratching throughout. The portrait remains in an overall very fine condition.

Footnote: Lazar Mamula was born on 22 May 1795 in Gorski Kotar to a Serbian Orthodox family. He enrolled at the Military Engineering Academy in Vienna in 1815, completing studies in 1831 and entered Austrian military services, participating in campaigns in the Italian states. He later oversaw the construction of fortifications along the Croatian coast and Austrian interior, rising steadily through the ranks and receiving a promotion to Oberst (Colonel) in 1848, simultaneously being appointed Chief of the General Staff of Habsburg Croatia. He served with distinction in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848/1849, where he prevented the movement of Hungarian insurgents into Croatian territory. For his services, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Military Order of Maria Theresia, and was also appointed to the Austrian nobility (simultaneously receiving the Russian Order of St. Anna, II Class, from Tsar Nicholas I, whose forces had assisted the Austrians in crushing the revolt). Promoted to Generalmajor (General Major) in 1850 and later to Feldmarschalleutnant (Field Marshal equivalent) in 1853. It was as a holder of this rank that Mamula was appointed Governor of Dalmatia in 1859. He received a final promotion to Feldzeugmeister in 1865, and retired shortly thereafter. Mamula died in Vienna on 12 January 1878.

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