Napoleon on campaign : classic images of Napoleon at war PDF
Preview Napoleon on campaign : classic images of Napoleon at war
HARRIET CARRUTHERS is a professional writer, researcher and hese are the historian, who after discovering her magnifcent works of love of history and military art at T Detaille, Meissonier, college in Oxford began work with a Vernet, Lady Butler, Hillingford military publisher in Warwickshire. and many of the other artists who Here she specialises in Second sought to capture on canvas the World War history. However, after most celebrated incidents of the touching upon one of Napoleon’s Napoleonic Wars. Trough their many campaigns she felt compelled battle paintings these great artists to discover more about this intriguing tell an intriguing tale of power, fgure, his life and his loves. Harriet greatness, greed and hubris. Each is currently working on her second image is captivating in its own way release, expected summer 2014. and opens the door to a bygone world of martial splendour. Te rise and fall of Napoleon makes for a gripping and tragic story, and these great works inside are arranged chronologically in order to let the images do the talking and provide an opportunity to allow the reader a unique chance to revel in the glorious and timeless work of the artists. Gathered together in a single volume for the frst time, this wonderful book makes essential reading for anyone with an interest in the Napoleonic era. For a complete list of current titles ring or write to: PEN & SWORD BOOKS LIMITED Freepost, 47 Church Street, Barnsley South Yorkshire S70 2BR E-mail: Tis edition published in 2014 by Pen & Sword Military An imprint of Pen & Sword Books Ltd 47 Church Street Barnsley South Yorkshire S70 2AS Copyright © Coda Books Ltd. Published under licence by Pen & Sword Books Ltd. ISBN: 9781783462506 Te rights of Harriet Carruthers to be identifed as the Author of this work have been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the Publisher in writing. Printed and bound in England By CPI Group (UK) Ltd, Croydon, CR0 4YY Pen & Sword Books Ltd incorporates the imprints of Pen & Sword Aviation, Pen & Sword Family History, Pen & Sword Maritime, Pen & Sword Military, Pen & Sword Discovery, Pen & Sword Politics, Pen & Sword Atlas, Pen & Sword Archaeology, Wharnclife Local History, Wharnclife True Crime, Wharnclife Transport, Pen & Sword Select, Pen & Sword Military Classics, Leo Cooper, Te Praetorian Press, Claymore Press, Remember When, Seaforth Publishing and Frontline Publishing For a complete list of Pen & Sword titles please contact PEN & SWORD BOOKS LIMITED 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS, England E-mail: Introduction he fascinating wealth of imagery created by nineteenth century artists as they strived to chronicle the lives of the Emperor Napoleon I could fll a dozen volumes such as this. Te aspirations of the T artists varied widely, some saw themselves as presenting a realistic chronicle of events, whilst others sought to romanticise a great man, or simply to create a striking piece of art upon a subject they found inspiring. Of what we can be sure is that each image is captivating in its own way and opens the door to a bygone world. From the naïve images of Napoleon’s frst victory in 1793, through to the high art masterpieces of David and Ingres, what we are left with today is a breath-taking and sumptuous body of work. Tis collection encompasses a huge variety of styles in which only the common reference point is the Napoleonic Wars, and the life of the Emperor himself. I have chosen to arrange the works chronologically according to when the events depicted took place rather than by medium, date of creation, nationality or any other of the many criteria which I could have used. Tis is because the rise and fall of Napoleon makes for a gripping, and tragic story, one that the works tell by themselves, but that can be enhanced by an understanding of the events depicted. Terefore I have elected to include a short summary of the circumstances surrounding each of these scenes. However, as you may well guess when you begin reading, the book is not intended to serve as a military history, nor is it intended to be a survey of the artists. Te idea is instead to let the images do the talking and provide an opportunity to allow those of us with an interest in the period to simply immerse ourselves in this work of the artists displayed throughout this book. 4 Here then, are the magnifcent works of Detaille, Meissonier, Vernet, Lady Butler, Hillingford and many of the other artists who have sought to capture the incidents of the Napoleonic Wars either as chroniclers of events or with higher artistic pretensions. Trough their work these artists tell an intriguing tale, one of power, greatness, greed and humility. How the life of one can decide the fates of many, and above all a lesson in humanity. Tere is much to be learnt, not just about the art portrayed here, or the accounts of battle, but of courage, of cowardice and of the inimitable spirit that lurks within the masses. Developing an interest in the life of Napoleon and the great story it tells, can be addictive and all consuming. Tis often leads to the reader developing a second career as an unpaid military historian, as the enthusiast almost inevitably becomes hooked and embarks on a new course in life in which he relentlessly devours manuscripts and information. I should hope that this volume may be the spark that ignites that passion for the Napoleonic period. A thirst that was shared by the fne artists displayed here, who often saw ft to dedicate the body of their work to one fascinating man and the life journey he embarked upon. Nations shall rise and fall, yet, this art is permanent and a reminder that from war and conquest can come something beautiful. So for the purpose of this book it is not important where the original hangs or whether it is considered a great work of art. Tese simply make up a selection of old favourites lovingly chosen by one devotee for the enjoyment of all the others out there. Tank you for buying this book and I trust it will bring you as much pleasure as I had putting it together. H. A. Carruthers Stratford-upon-Avon, 2013 5 The Siege At Toulon th Th 18 September - 18 December, 1793 by Theodore Yung ought from 18th September until 18th December 1793, the Siege of Toulon was an early Republican victory in the fght against a Royalist counter-rebellion. It was the frst opportunity the young F Napoleon Bonaparte had to prove himself as a military tactician. Te efects of the French Revolution upon the country’s army had been severe, as many ofcers serving in it were from the nobility and therefore persecuted by rebels, which forced them to fee the country. As a consequence there were opportunities for promotion from the lower ranks based on ability rather than their social standing, and in early September Napoleon was duly promoted to Major. 6 7 Napoleon At Toulon th th 18 September - 18 December, 1793 by édouard Detaille apoleon’s recent promotion gave him the perfect opportunity to showcase his great skill in efectively deploying limited resources. He had a keen understanding of the terrain needed N to slowly take key areas, and resourceful ideas on how to undermine the British forces holding Toulon. Whether his role in the fnal act of the siege was as important as later reported, Napoleon certainly played a vital part and was able to take full credit for the victory when on 19th December, 1793, the British lost control of the port. Tis was to prove a key development in Napoleon’s budding military career as his name became known by important fgures in the revolutionary government, and he was promoted again, this time to Brigadier General, and given command of the French artillery in Italy. 8 9
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