When did the Battle of Wagram take place?
The Battle of Wagram occurred on the 6th of July 1809. French troops clashed with Austrian forces near Vienna during this conflict.
Questions about The Battle of Wagram
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who commanded the French army at the Battle of Wagram?
Napoleon commanded the French army against Archduke Charles and his Austrians. The fighting resulted in a decisive victory for France.
Why did King Louis Philippe I order new artworks for the Palace of Versailles?
King Louis Philippe I ordered new artworks to restore the Palace of Versailles into a museum dedicated to history. He created the Galerie des Batailles to house these pieces and reinforce the legitimacy of the July Monarchy.
What specific scenes did Horace Vernet paint for the Galerie des Batales?
Horace Vernet received instructions to produce three specific canvases depicting Wagram, Friedland, and Jena. These works captured past military triumphs under royal direction.
How was Napoleon depicted in Horace Vernet's painting of the Battle of Wagram?
Horace Vernet painted Napoleon mounted on horseback holding a spyglass while clutching a half-opened battle plan in his other hand. Behind him, Marshal Jean-Baptiste Bessières lost his mount when a bullet struck the horse beneath the marshal.
When did Horace Vernet present his work at the Salon exhibition?
Vernet presented his work at the Salon exhibition in 1836. The painting later found a permanent home within the Galerie des Batales after critics and the public viewed it upon its first showing.