Who painted Artilleryman Lighting a Mine?

Artilleryman Lighting a Mine was painted by Horace Vernet in 1826.

Where can I see Artilleryman Lighting a Mine?

Artilleryman Lighting a Mine is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Artilleryman Lighting a Mine?

Artilleryman Lighting a Mine is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Artilleryman Lighting a Mine?

Museum-quality prints of Artilleryman Lighting a Mine are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Artilleryman Lighting a Mine

Horace Vernet , 1826

Artilleryman Lighting a Mine is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Horace Vernet. It dates from 1826 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1826, this lithograph presents a solitary artilleryman poised on a stone parapet, his back turned toward the viewer.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1826, this lithograph presents a solitary artilleryman poised on a stone parapet, his back turned toward the viewer. He holds a long pole, seemingly igniting a fuse, while a well‑groomed horse stands behind him, bearing a sizeable pack. The scene unfolds against an indistinct, rugged terrain that suggests a mountainous battlefield setting.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a moment of military preparation, emphasizing the disciplined routine of artillery service. By focusing on the act of lighting a mine, the image conveys both the technical skill and the inherent danger of 19th‑century warfare, reflecting the artist’s interest in the human elements of combat rather than heroic spectacle.

Technique & Style

Executed as a lithograph, the image was produced from a stone plate, allowing fine line work and subtle tonal variations. The artist employs a restrained palette and precise drawing to render the uniform, equipment, and horse with clarity, while the background remains loosely suggested, directing attention to the central figure’s activity.

History & Provenance

The lithograph is attributed to French painter Horace Vernet, known for his depictions of battles and military life. It is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., where it has been held since acquisition, serving as an example of Vernet’s early printmaking endeavors.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Horace Vernet

Émile Jean-Horace Vernet (French pronunciation: ; 30 June 1789 – 17 January 1863), better known as Horace Vernet, was a French painter of battles, portraits, and Orientalist subjects.