53. Byron’s War: Romantic Rebellion, Greek Revolution by Roderick Beaton

Cover from Roderick Beaton's book Byron’s War: Romantic Rebellion, Greek Revolution. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2013.The cover of this new study reproduces the painting by Theodoros Vryzakis (1819-78), The Reception of Lord Byron at Missolonghi (oil on canvas, 155 x 213 cm, Athens: National Gallery-Alexandros Soutzos Museum, inv. 1298). Though painted long afterwards, in 1861, it faithfully reproduces portraits of many of those who were there, including Mavrokordatos (identifiable as the only one of the receiving party in European dress).

The painter has chosen to present Byron as the poet of Childe Harold, in civilian clothes. In reality, he wore a scarlet military uniform that had been specially tailored for him before he left Genoa, to emphasise that it was as a man of action that he came to Greece.

Byron’s War: Romantic Rebellion, Greek Revolution is available to order from Cambridge University Press website.

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