Bombardment of Naarden, April 1814

Executed in oil, the painting employs a vivid palette of reds and blacks to render exploding cannonballs and burning structures. Van Os’s brushwork combines the detailed observation typical of his animal studies with a broader, more dramatic handling of light and smoke, creating a sense of movement and urgency.

Born in The Hague in 1776, van Os trained under his father Jan and at the local art academy, copying masters such as Paulus Potter. Although initially known for animal subjects, he later turned to historical scenes, producing this work shortly after the actual bombardment. It entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings in the 20th century.