Artwork
The Citadel of Antwerp shortly after the Siege of 19 November-23 December 1832, and the Surrender of the Dutch Garisson to the French
The Citadel of Antwerp shortly after the Siege of 19 November-23 December 1832, and the Surrender of the Dutch Garisson to the French is an unspecified painting by Ferdinand de Braekeleer the Elder. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. This painting depicts the aftermath of a military siege, capturing the Citadel of Antwerp following its surrender to French forces in 1832.
About this work
You see a ruined fortress with soldiers walking through rubble, smoke still hanging over the city of Antwerp in the distance.
You see a ruined fortress with soldiers walking through rubble, smoke still hanging over the city of Antwerp in the distance.
This painting was made right after a real battle in 1832, when French troops forced the Dutch garrison to surrender. The artist probably saw the damage firsthand—no grand heroes, just broken walls and tired men.
If you like battle scenes that feel lived-in, look up more works in the Rijksmuseum.
Overview
This painting depicts the aftermath of a military siege, capturing the Citadel of Antwerp following its surrender to French forces in 1832.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows soldiers navigating the rubble-strewn foreground, with the city of Antwerp visible in the distance, still shrouded in smoke. The focus is on the devastation and the mundane reality of war, rather than heroic action.
History & Provenance
The painting was created shortly after the siege of 19 November to 23 December 1832, when French troops forced the Dutch garrison to surrender, suggesting the artist may have witnessed the event or its immediate aftermath.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Ferdinand de Braekeleer the Elder
Ferdinand de Braekeleer (12 February 1792 – 16 May 1883), sometimes spelled as Ferdinand de Braeckeleer, was a Flemish painter and printmaker.
Self Portrait
Interior of an Inn, with Figures in Seventeenth-Century Costume
Interior of an Inn, with Figures in Seventeenth-Century Costume
De zangers
The Citadel of Antwerp shortly after the Siege of 19 November-23 December 1832, and the Surrender of the Dutch Garisson to the French
Resting Hunter
The Village School
The Antwerp Castle in 1831
