Artwork

Napoleon's Return to the Island of Lobau After the Battle of Essling

Napoleon's Return to the Island of Lobau After the Battle of Essling is an oil painting by Charles Meynier. It dates from 1812 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

About this work

Overview

Napoleon's Return to the Island of Lobau After the Battle of Essling is a history painting created by Charles Meynier in 1812, capturing a moment from the Napoleonic Wars.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Napoleon arriving on the island of Lobau after his defeat at the Battle of Aspern-Essling, surrounded by his staff and wounded soldiers, with the River Danube and a raging battle in the background.

Technique & Style

Meynier employs contrasting brushstrokes, using rough, expressive strokes for the struggling figures and smooth details for the uniforms, while chiaroscuro lighting highlights the faces of the soldiers, creating a dramatic effect.

History & Provenance

Commissioned by Napoleon for the Luxembourg Palace, the painting was displayed at the Salon of 1812 at the Louvre, later transferred to the Palace of Versailles in 1835 during the July Monarchy.

Own this work as a print

Artist & collection

Artist

Charles Meynier

Charles Meynier (1763 or 1768, Paris – 1832, Paris) was a French painter of historical subjects in the late 18th and early 19th century. He was a contemporary of Antoine-Jean Gros and Jacques-Louis David.

Museum

Palace of Versailles

Continue through works from the same source collection.