Artwork
Retreat of Napoleon's army
Retreat of Napoleon's army is an oil painting by Jan Damel. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.
About this work
Overview
Retreat of Napoleon's army is an oil painting created by Jan Damel around 1820, now part of the National Museum in Warsaw's collection. Damel, a Polish neoclassical painter, was active during Poland's partitions and worked under various names including Jonas Damelis and Johann Damehl.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a chaotic scene from the Napoleonic Wars, showing soldiers and civilians in disarray within a city square setting. A figure in a black cloak with a white cross is prominently featured in the foreground, alongside a fallen horse, conveying turmoil and confusion.
Technique & Style
Damel utilized oil paint to achieve depth and texture, guiding the viewer's attention to central figures through compositional elements. The neoclassical style, characteristic of the School of Art at Vilnius University with which Damel was associated, influences the work's execution.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1820 by Jan Damel, the painting is currently held in the National Museum in Warsaw, reflecting the artist's contribution to Polish neoclassical art amidst the historical backdrop of Poland's partitions.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Krzysztof Damel, also known as Jonas Damelis and Johann Damehl in other languages (1780 – 30 August 1840) was a Polish neoclassicist artist in the age of Partitions, associated with the School of Art at Vilnius University (modern-day…
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