Artwork

Battle of Agnadel, 14th May 1509

Battle of Agnadel, 14th May 1509, by Pierre-Jules Jollivet, oil, 1837
Battle of Agnadel, 14th May 1509, by Pierre-Jules Jollivet, oil, 1837

Battle of Agnadel, 14th May 1509 is an oil painting by Pierre-Jules Jollivet. It dates from 1837 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1837 by French Romantic painter Pierre-Jules Jollivet, *Battle of Agnadel, 14th May 1509* is an oil painting depicting a pivotal moment in the historical Battle of Agnadel. The work showcases Jollivet's ability to capture dynamic scenes, diverging from his more common genre paintings.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays the turmoil of the Battle of Agnadel, focusing on a central military leader (likely a marshal or general) amidst chaos. The scene emphasizes the intensity and disorder of warfare, with fallen soldiers, active combatants, and the leader's prominent figure on a white horse.

Technique & Style

Jollivet employed oil paint and chiaroscuro to achieve depth and dimensionality. The predominantly muted brown and gray palette, characteristic of Romantic historical paintings, enhances the sense of energy and intensity in the battle's midst.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1837, the work is now part of the Palace of Versailles' collection, reflecting its historical and artistic significance. Jollivet, active in the Romantic tradition, deviated from his typical genre scenes to create this historical piece.

Context

Commissioned or created during the 19th century's fascination with historical events and the Romantic emphasis on emotion and drama, *Battle of Agnadel* aligns with contemporary artistic trends that glorified past military engagements.

Legacy

While specific influence or widespread recognition of *Battle of Agnadel* is not broadly documented, it remains a notable example of 19th-century French Romantic historical painting, preserved within the esteemed collection of the Palace of Versailles.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Pierre-Jules Jollivet

Artist

Pierre-Jules Jollivet

Pierre-Jules Jollivet (27 June 1803, in Paris – 7 September 1871, in Paris) was a French painter and lithographer who worked mostly in the Romantic style and is largely known for genre scenes.

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