Artwork

Death of a Russian General (Le Mort d'un general russe)

Death of a Russian General (Le Mort d'un general russe), by Gerhardus Emaus de Micault, ink, 1814
Death of a Russian General (Le Mort d'un general russe), by Gerhardus Emaus de Micault, ink, 1814

Death of a Russian General (Le Mort d'un general russe) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Gerhardus Emaus de Micault. It dates from 1814 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Death of a Russian General is an 1814 etching by Gerhardus Emaus de Micault, depicting a tumultuous battle scene in expressive, loose lines.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a chaotic clash between mounted soldiers and infantry, with a fallen figure at the center, conveying the intense turmoil and panic of warfare.

Technique & Style

Characterized by rapid, expressive etching lines, the work captures dynamic movement and urgency, with a rough, sketchy background of stormy skies and trees.

History & Provenance

Created in 1814 by Gerhardus Emaus de Micault, specific historical context or ownership history beyond the artist and date of creation is not provided.

Context

The etching reflects the artistic response to the Napoleonic Wars, common during this period, where artists often depicted the turmoil and consequences of conflict.

Legacy

While not widely recognized as a seminal work, it exemplifies the use of etching to convey the immediacy of war scenes in early 19th-century art.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.