Battle of Austerlitz, 2 December 1805 (Gérard)
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| Battle of Austerlitz, 2 December 1805 | |
|---|---|
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| Artist | François Gérard |
| Year | 1810 |
| Medium | oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 510 cm × 958 cm (200 in × 377 in) |
| Location | Palace of Versailles, Versailles |
Battle Of Austerlitz, 2 December 1805 is an oil-on-canvas painting by the French painter François Gérard from 1810. The painting depicts the moment at the conclusion of the Battle of Austerlitz in which the French General Jean Rapp presents to Napoleon Bonaparte the captured Prince Repnin, commander of the Russian Imperial Guard, signifying the victory of Napoleon's army over the combined forces of Russia and Austria. One of three paintings commissioned by Napoleon following the victory, Gérard's work stands out as the sole history painting, highlighting the bravery of the French guard (Grande Armée) and modesty of its leader. It is currently displayed in the Gallery of the Battles, at the Palace of Versailles.[1][2]
Gérard was commissioned to create the large canvas in 1806. It was originally meant to decorate the ceiling of the Conseil d’État (French State Council). The painting was shown for the first time at the Paris Salon of 1810, two years later than planned.[3]
This painting was created during a pivotal period of French history in which art often engaged with politics, serving as propaganda for the Napoleonic Empire. Gérard's depiction of Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Austerlitz helped to enhance the Emperor's reputation as a military genius and unifier of the European continent. The painting was carefully illustrated to flatter Napoleon. The primary focus of the scene is the victory of the French troops, not the defeat of the enemy troops, thus highlighting the Emperor's modesty and bravery of the army.[3]
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Gérard's personal and professional circumstances also reflect the historical context of early 19th century France. He experienced financial struggles during Revolutionary times but ultimately found success under Napoleonic rule as a portraitist for the Imperial family. The Battle of Austerlitz earned him 40,000 francs.[4] His commission highlights the growing opportunities for artists of this time who aligned their interests with the regime.
The work, despite its title, does not focus on the battle of Austerlitz itself. The decision to depict a moment following the battle aligned with theoretical writing on history painting from the period, which described battles themselves as not suitably dignified for the grand genre. The choice of moment may also reflect the political needs of the period, when France sought to cultivate Russia as an ally, not treat it merely as a defeated enemy.[3]: 34
The scene is set on the plateau of Pratzen, where the French guard got through Russian lines and successfully set the trap that Napoleon had planned. The frozen lakes of Sokolnitz where the Russian army had fled, then fell through the ice that cracked under French bombardment, is suggested the background.[3]: 32 The left side of the painting illustrates the French Guard led by General Rapp, carrying seized flags and surrounding the captured Russian Prince Repnin (dressed in white). To the right, Napoleon (dressed in blue) sits confidently on his horse, surrounded by well-dressed Generals and other prisoners.[5] From the left corner of the painting, the mythical "sun of Austerlitz" seems to illuminate the scene, conforming to another part of the Napoleonic legend. In the field of the battle lie several injured or dead soldiers.[6][7][8]
