A Scene Of Rest After A Battle – Soldiers Of Napoleon Bonaparte’s Grande Armée – Oil On Canvas

A rare oil-on-sheet-metal painting depicting soldiers from Napoleon Bonaparte’s Grande Armée resting after a battle. This composition, created during the Restoration period, realistically evokes the Napoleonic campaigns.

In the lower right corner, a soldier sits with his leg amputated and carefully bandaged, a testament to the brutality of the fighting. Beside him, another soldier leans against the trunk of a massive tree, his helmet resting on his knee. Opposite them, a third soldier stands near the bivouac, while in the foreground a horse stands close to three rifles bundled together. In the background, a fourth soldier stands guard, watching over the camp.

The composition is rendered with finesse and presents a particularly expressive scene, blending the men’s exhaustion, the solidarity among the soldiers, and the constant vigilance of the camp. A painting of fine quality, characteristic of French military depictions from the first half of the 19th century.

Unsigned oil on sheet metal.

Date: circa 1815.

Dimensions: 23.5 × 19 cm.

Condition: Extensive network of craquelure across the entire surface, some wear, and small areas of missing paint. The reverse side features an original, aged black patina. In good overall condition considering its age. See photographs.