Artwork
Napoleon accepts the surrender of Madrid, 4 December 1808
Napoleon accepts the surrender of Madrid, 4 December 1808 is an oil painting by Antoine-Jean Gros. It dates from 1810 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.
About this work
Overview
Napoleon accepts the surrender of Madrid, 4 December 1808 is an oil painting created by Antoine-Jean Gros in 1810. It is a historical depiction of a key event during the Peninsular War.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows Napoleon, Emperor of France, receiving a delegation from Madrid, conveying the city's surrender. The scene is set on a city street, with a mix of military personnel and civilians, highlighting the contrast between the victors and the defeated.
Technique & Style
Gros's work is characterized by a grand manner style, presenting the scene from a French perspective. The composition is dynamic, with a range of figures in various states, from dignified military leaders to ragged civilians, set against a backdrop of dark skies and imposing buildings.
History & Provenance
The painting was exhibited at the 1810 Paris Salon alongside Gros's The Battle of the Pyramids. Both works are now part of the Palace of Versailles collection.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Antoine-Jean Gros (French pronunciation: ; 16 March 1771 – 25 June 1835) was a French painter of historical subjects.
portrait of Jean-Antoine Chaptal
François Gérard (1770–1837), later Baron Gérard
Portrait of Count Jean-Antoine Chaptal
Dr. Vignardonne
Egyptian Family (Sketch for "The Battle of the Pyramids")
General Jean-Baptiste Kléber (Sketch for "The Battle of the Pyramids")
Bataille d'Aboukir, 25 Juillet 1799
Jérôme Bonaparte, King of Westphalia
Napoléon signs his abdication at Fontainebleau 11 April 1814
Napoleon I receiving Baron Vincent, the Austrian Ambassador, at Erfurt, 1808
Farewell of Napoleon I and Alexander after the peace of Tilsitt, July 9, 1807
Napoleon bids farewell to his Guard at Fontainebleau on 20 April 1814
The Surrender of Bailén
Napoleon's Return to the Island of Lobau After the Battle of Essling
Napoleon I visiting the infirmary at Les Invalides, February 11, 1808
Surrender of Mantua, February 2, 1797
Napoleon Receiving the Queen of Prussia at Tilsit