Whilst researching for my latest book I have come across a range of interesting images not all of which can be relied upon as historical sources. Or can they? Do the artists know something that we don't?
This is the battle of Tournai in 1794- probably painted in the 19th Century. We see the Austrian commander and his staff observing (or perhaps directing) the battle. The figure on the white horse may be intended to depict the Prince of Cobourg and perhaps the officer with the drawn sword is Archduke Charles? We have Austrian Cuirassiers and dragoons, possibly a wounded Frenchman and what appear to be British or Hanoverian cavalry though the uniform appears fictional as does the flag. Quite pretty but probably of limited historical significance (ASKB)
This is considerably more useful. This (also from ASKB collection) shows the attack on the French fortress at Valenciennes- though presumably not the final storm as that took place at night. I would love to know who all these people are. Presumably the central figure is the Duke of York. Next to him may be one of his brothers (two of whom served in teh campaign) or possibly Murray his Adjutant-General. The dismounted figure in the foreground looks like Abercromby but surely lacks sufficient lace for one of his rank? the figure in white is possibly an Austrian Liaison Officer (then again he could be Dutch. Once again there are (presumably) defeated Frenchmen, there again they could be Hessian or Hanoverian cavalrymen? There are Austrian hussars, civilian train drivers and British Artillery in 'Mother Shipton' hats. This painting was clearly made at the time or very close to it and is of great interest to the historian (and figure painter) - both pretty and useful!
I agree Phil, while the artists generally put several aspects of a battle in the one scene and include a bit of romanticism of the subject, or other pandering to the sponsor, most spent a lot of time researching their work and so they always reward closer inspection. I got to see Charles Thévenin's siege of Ratisbon up close in a 'Napoleon exhibition' at the National Gallery of Victoria a few years back. There is a lot going on in that painting and it was certainly worth spending hours 'inspecting' it (over a few return visits as I got a multi-pass to the exhibition)!
ReplyDeleteYeah there is much of interest in contemporary paintings - the extent to which you can rely on any of it as 'gospel' is of course debatable - but they must have got it from somewhere!
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