The Battle of Waterloo: The British Squares Receiving the Charge of the French Cuirassiers

The composition captures a decisive instant during the Battle of Waterloo, when disciplined British infantry formations—square formations—confront the advancing French heavy cavalry, the cuirassiers. The juxtaposition of steadfast infantry against a charging cavalry charge emphasizes the tension between order and aggression that defined the 1815 conflict.

Philippoteaux employs the rich, layered qualities of oil paint to render the tumult of battle. Broad, vigorous brushstrokes convey movement in the cavalry, while finer detailing defines the uniforms and terrain. The palette balances muted earth tones with flashes of metallic sheen on the cuirassiers’ armor, creating depth on the relatively large canvas.

Completed in 1874, the painting entered the Victoria and Albert Museum’s holdings during the late 19th or early 20th century, joining a broader acquisition program focused on European historical art. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s studio, with no record of intermediate private ownership before its museum accession.

Philippoteaux, known for large‑scale battle scenes, produced this work decades after the 1815 battle, reflecting a 19th‑century French interest in commemorating Napoleonic warfare. The depiction aligns with contemporary historicist trends, where artists rendered recent historical events with dramatic realism to educate and engage viewers.