Who painted Explosion of a Grenade (L'Explosion d'une grenade)?

Explosion of a Grenade (L'Explosion d'une grenade) was painted by Gerhardus Emaus de Micault in 1854.

Where can I see Explosion of a Grenade (L'Explosion d'une grenade)?

Explosion of a Grenade (L'Explosion d'une grenade) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Explosion of a Grenade (L'Explosion d'une grenade)?

Explosion of a Grenade (L'Explosion d'une grenade) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Explosion of a Grenade (L'Explosion d'une grenade)?

Museum-quality prints of Explosion of a Grenade (L'Explosion d'une grenade) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Explosion of a Grenade (L'Explosion d'une grenade)

Gerhardus Emaus de Micault , 1854

Explosion of a Grenade (L'Explosion d'une grenade) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Gerhardus Emaus de Micault. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Explosion of a Grenade (L'Explosion d'une grenade) is an 1854 etching by Emaus de Micault, Gerhardus, depicting a moment of intense violence in a predominantly serene artistic landscape of its time.

Subject & Meaning

The etching captures a grenade in mid-explosion, set against a pale sky with dark smoke. A barely visible human figure at the bottom left provides scale, grounding the explosive event in reality and juxtaposing the tranquility of the observer with the brutality of the blast.

Technique & Style

Executed as an etching, the work leverages the medium's capability to produce sharp, expressive lines, which are used here to convey the stark contrast between light and dark, emphasizing the dramatic intensity of the explosion.

History & Provenance

Created in 1854 by Emaus de Micault, Gerhardus, specific details regarding the work's provenance and historical context beyond its creation are not provided.

Context

Unconventional for its time, the etching's focus on a singular, violent explosion diverges from the prevalent themes of battles or serene scenes in contemporary art, anticipating a more modern aesthetic in its contrast of calm and chaos.

Legacy

While the broader impact or influence of 'Explosion of a Grenade' on subsequent art movements or genres is not detailed, its innovative subject matter contributes to its notable position within the etching medium of the 19th century.