The Battle of Jemappes
Artist: Emile-Jean-Horace Vernet (French, 1789 - 1863)
Original Dimensions: 69 3/4" x 113 1/2"
Location: National Gallery of Art, London
About Artwork: (1821) "This was the first of four battle scenes painted by Vernet for the Duke of Orléans. It shows the Battle at Jemappes, which took place on 6 November 1792 near the Walloon town of Jemappes. At that time Jemappes was in the Austrian Netherlands but is now part of the city of Mons in south-western Belgium. The French believed that by occupying the Netherlands they could block an invasion of France by Austria and Prussia. The battle was a victory for the newly established French Republic and its Army of the North, under the command of General Charles-François du Perier Dumouriez, which defeated the Austrian imperial army led by the Duke Albert of Saxe-Teschen. Although Vernet shows the battle in the distance, he focuses on one incident as an illustration of French bravery. In the centre foreground General Drouet, who has been mortally wounded, is carried away. Barely visible in the distance, the Duke, riding a white horse, leads the charge which brought about French victory." - (National Gallery of Art, London)

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