Artwork
Hall's Quick Step
Hall's Quick Step is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Cooke. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:Text at bottom on stone: R Cooke del. / Thayer's Lithogy. Boston. / As performed by the Boston Brigade Band. / Composed and arranged by / T. Bricher. / Respectfully dedicated to / Orderly John Hall / by / The Greys. / Boston / Published by Geo. P. Reed, 17 Tremont Row / Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1840 by Oakes and Swan in the Clerk's office of the District court of Massachusetts
About this work
The soldier’s pose and the title suggest this is a march dedicated to a military figure.
This image shows a tall soldier in a stiff uniform, standing at attention. His hat has a plume, and he holds a sword at his side. Above him is a banner with the words Semper Paratus and Hall’s Quick Step. The background looks like a battlefield with flags and cannon barrels on either side.
The soldier’s pose and the title suggest this is a march dedicated to a military figure. The print was made in Boston in 1840, likely for a band performance.
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Overview
Hall's Quick Step is a lithograph created by Robert Cooke in 1840. The print is made in black on wove paper and depicts a military scene.
Subject & Meaning
The image features a soldier standing at attention, holding a sword and wearing a plumed hat, set against a battlefield backdrop with flags and cannon barrels. The banner above him bears the phrases 'Semper Paratus' and 'Hall's Quick Step', suggesting a march dedicated to a military figure.
Technique & Style
The print is a lithograph, a technique that allows for mass production of detailed images. The use of black ink on wove paper gives the image a stark, graphic quality.
Context
Created in Boston in 1840, the print was likely produced for a band performance, reflecting the musical and military culture of the time.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
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