Artwork

The Canon Ready to Fire

The Canon Ready to Fire, by Hippolyte Lecomte, 1817
The Canon Ready to Fire, by Hippolyte Lecomte, 1817

The Canon Ready to Fire is a print by the Romanticist artist Hippolyte Lecomte. It dates from 1817 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Canon Ready to Fire is a print created by French artist Hippolyte Lecomte in 1817. It is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a military scene in a wooded area, with a cannon positioned on a cart and soldiers nearby. The scene is set in a moment of anticipation, just before action is taken.

Technique & Style

Lecomte used simple lines and shading to create a sense of depth in the scene, conveying a feeling of quiet tension. The composition balances the natural surroundings with the military presence.

Context

Lecomte's work is associated with the artistic traditions of his time, and his connections to other artists, including his relation to Émile Jean-Horace Vernet and his son Émile Vernet-Lecomte, reflect his place within a broader artistic community.

Artist & collection

Artist

Hippolyte Lecomte

Hippolyte Lecomte (French pronunciation: ; 28 December 1781, Puiseaux – 25 July 1857, Paris) was a French painter best known for large scale historical paintings and ballet designs.

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