Marengo was painted by James Ward in 1824.

Where can I see Marengo?

Marengo is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Marengo?

Marengo is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Marengo?

Museum-quality prints of Marengo are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Marengo

James Ward , 1824

Marengo is an ink print by the Romanticist artist James Ward. It dates from 1824 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

James Ward’s 1824 lithograph titled Marengo presents a solitary white horse in full gallop along a coastal shoreline. The animal’s muscular form and billowing mane convey a moment of swift motion, while a muted seascape recedes into the horizon, punctuated by distant rocks. The composition balances the luminous figure against a tonal palette of grays, creating a striking visual contrast.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures the dynamism of a horse in motion, a motif often associated with freedom and vitality in early nineteenth‑century art. By placing the animal against an expansive watery backdrop, Ward emphasizes both the creature’s power and its isolation, inviting viewers to contemplate the tension between natural vigor and the vast, indifferent landscape.

Technique & Style

Executed as a lithograph on chine appliqué, the image benefits from the medium’s capacity for fine tonal gradations. Ward’s handling of the stone‑based lithographic surface yields a textured, slightly grainy quality that enhances the sense of depth. The limited grayscale range accentuates the white horse, while the subtle shading of sea and sky suggests atmospheric perspective.

History & Provenance

Created in 1824, Marengo belongs to the period when lithography was gaining prominence as a reproducible fine‑art medium. The work is attributed to James Ward, an English artist known for his animal studies. Its provenance traces through private collections before entering a museum holding, where it is displayed as an example of early nineteenth‑century printmaking.