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The Battle of Smolensk, 17th August 1812 by Jean-Charles Langlois

Jean-Charles Langlois · 1839-01-01

Jean-Charles Langlois's "The Battle of Smolensk, 17th August 1812" (1839) captures a pivotal moment in Napoleon's Russian campaign. This grand oil painting commemorates the French victory and the destruction wrought upon the city.

Look at Napoleon commanding his forces, a potent symbol of military might. Behind him, the city of Smolensk is engulfed in flames, bisected by the River Dnieper, illustrating the battle's devastating scale. In the foreground, the fallen soldier serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of such triumphs.

Commissioned by King Louis Philippe I for the Galerie des Batailles at the Palace of Versailles, this work was part of a national effort to immortalize French military history. Langlois, himself a former soldier, brought a unique perspective to these dramatic scenes.

It stands today as a testament to both strategic victory and the profound sacrifices made in warfare.

Details

Napoleon leads his army to victory.
Napoleon leads his army to victory.
Polish Commander Poniatowski rides with Napoleon.
Polish Commander Poniatowski rides with Napoleon.
Artillery fires into the city.
Artillery fires into the city.
War's brutal cost is paid here.
War's brutal cost is paid here.
The dramatic backdrop of flames and smoke visually represents the destruction and chaos of the battle.
The dramatic backdrop of flames and smoke visually represents the destruction and chaos of the battle.
Transcript

Napoleon leads his army to victory. Smolensk burns behind them. The Dnieper River splits the battlefield. Polish Commander Poniatowski rides with Napoleon. Artillery fires into the city. War's brutal cost is paid here. This was a French victory in 1812. King Louis Philippe commissioned this for Versailles.