|
Napoleon
Bonaparte shown in historical battle scene military prints by Horace
Vernet. Napoleon Bonaparte is shown at the Battle of Rivoli, Battle of
Friedland and Battle of Jena in other events in the history of the
Napoleonic wars. Military prints available from Cranston Fine Arts.
Emile Jean Horace
Vernet The artist was born in Paris, in the galleries of the Louvre on 30th June,
1789 where his parents were lodging during the occupation of the palace in
the revolution. He attained early distinction and quickly developed a
disdain for the classical school of David. He set about therefore to
develop his own style and his taste led him to military subjects. Taking
nature as his guide, Vernet depicted the French soldier as he really was
rather than in an idealised fashion. His pictures Dog of the Regiment,
Trumpeter's Horse and Death of Poniatowski along with similar compositions
gave him universal popularity.
In 1819 he began to paint large battle scenes but though he worked on an
immense scale and with the utmost speed, his figures and groupings were
thoroughly artistic. In the past, artists had represented episodes in
warfare but Vernet brought whole battlefields before his audience as in
his famous Battle of Italy and Capture of Rome. Several of his well-known
paintings represented battles of the French Revolution such as Valmy and
Jemapes. One of his most famous pictures painted in 1826 entitled the
Battle of the Bridge of Arcole showed the young Napoleon seizing a
tattered flag and leading his men across the bridge on 17th November,
1796. He represented many of the victories of Napoleon including scenes of
the emperor at the Battle of Jena, Friedland, and Wagram. During the
Crimean War, he accompanied the French army and produced several important
paintings including the Battle of the Alma exhibited in 1856. His Algerian
battle pieces such as the Occupation by the French Army of the Pass of
Mouzia, and the Capture of Smalah were well received as he had drawn the
soldiers and the events from nature. Once when asked by Louis Napoleon to
alter a picture of a military review leaving out a certain general who was
obnoxious to the French emperor, Vernet refused to do it stating "I
am a painter of history, sire and I will not violate the truth."
Vernet died in Paris on 17th January, 1863.
|
|
Le Bataille Du Pont D Arcole by Horace Vernet The battle took place on the 17th November 1796, Arcole is a small village in
Italy on the Alpine river. Bonaparte, holding the tri colour, urges on his
Grenadiers and carries the Bridge of Arcole, thus bringing victory over the
Austrians. This episode has passed into French Army Legend but we understand the
truth to be. A French Officer cried if you fall we are lost, you shall not go
further. This is not your place and Bonaparte almost drowned when the officer
pushed him into the water.
Les Adieux de Fontainebleau by H Vernet Napoleon is shown taking leave of the Imperial Guard outside the Palace
of Fontainbleau. With a dramatic final gesture, "I cannot embrace you
all but I shall embrace your General", and after General Petit, he
kissed the eagle of the 1st Grenadiers whose bearer, Lieut Fortin covers
his face. The officers at the right are representative of the Allied
armies and are considerably less affected by the scene than the Frenchman.
The Battle of Jena, Won by Napoleon by Horace Vernet
The painting shows Napoleon's customary informality with the soldiers
in his army. Here he is turning to acknowledge the Salutation by a
Grenadier of the Imperial Guard. Murat is shown riding behind Napoleon.
The Apotheusis of Napoleon by H Vernet Painted in the year of his death (1821) with the floating plank
inscribed with the names of 10 of his battles, the last being Waterloo. |
|
