Who painted Retiring Wounded from Battle?

Retiring Wounded from Battle was painted by Robert Blyth in 1779.

Where can I see Retiring Wounded from Battle?

Retiring Wounded from Battle is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Retiring Wounded from Battle?

Retiring Wounded from Battle is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Retiring Wounded from Battle?

Museum-quality prints of Retiring Wounded from Battle are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Retiring Wounded from Battle

Robert Blyth , 1779

Retiring Wounded from Battle is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Blyth. It dates from 1779 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower left in plate: Drawn by J.H. Mortimer; lower center in plate: Retiring wounded from Battle / London, Publish'd as the Act directs 15th Nov. 1779, No.27 Great Castle Street, Cavendish Square; lower right in plate Etched by R. Blyth; by later hand, lower right in graphite: Box 38 T

About this work

Overview

Retiring Wounded from Battle is an 1779 etching on laid paper by Robert Blyth. The print depicts a small group of soldiers assisting an injured comrade as they withdraw from a battlefield shrouded in lingering smoke. The composition captures a moment of quiet urgency, emphasizing the physical strain and camaraderie among the men as they navigate the grassy terrain.

Subject & Meaning

The scene focuses on the wounded figure, whose posture leans heavily on his companions, underscoring themes of sacrifice and collective responsibility in war. The exhausted yet careful expressions of the soldiers convey a sense of solemn duty, inviting viewers to contemplate the human cost of conflict beyond the spectacle of battle.

Technique & Style

Blyth employs delicate, fine lines characteristic of etching to render subtle gradations of light and shadow across the figures and background. The use of laid paper enhances the texture of the print, while the restrained tonal range reflects an early Romantic sensibility, prioritizing emotional resonance over precise anatomical detail.

Context

Created shortly before the Romantic movement gained prominence, the work anticipates its emphasis on individual experience and the sublime in everyday scenes. Blyth’s choice to depict the aftermath of combat rather than heroic triumph aligns with a growing 18th‑century interest in the personal realities of war.

History & Provenance

The etching was produced in 1779 and has remained attributed to Robert Blyth. It is catalogued among his early prints, though specific ownership records prior to modern museum acquisition are limited, reflecting the modest circulation typical of prints from this period.