The Passage of the Danube by Napoleon Before the Battle of Wagram
Painting by Jacques François Joseph Swebach-Desfontaines
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The Passage of the Danube by Napoleon Before the Battle of Wagram is an 1810 history painting by the French artist Jacques François Joseph Swebach-Desfontaines.[1] It depicts the opening of the Battle of Wagram, a notable victory for the French Emperor Napoleon. Fought in July 1809 during the Napoleonic Wars, the crossing of the Danube River on newly created bridge enabled France to gain a hard-fought victory over the Austrian Empire. Austria's defeat led to the collapse of the Fifth Coalition against France with the signing of the Treaty of Schönbrunn.
| The Passage of the Danube by Napoleon Before the Battle of Wagram | |
|---|---|
| Artist | Jacques François Joseph Swebach-Desfontaines |
| Year | 1810 |
| Type | Oil on canvas, history painting |
| Dimensions | 80.5 cm × 128.5 cm (31.7 in × 50.6 in) |
| Location | Apsley House, London |
It was exhibited at the Salon of 1810 at the Louvre in Paris where it was one of the major attractions.[2] Many years later the Duke of Wellington, who had defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, acquired the depiction of the victory of his former opponent. It was one of a number of portrayals of Napoleon he acquired.[3] Today it remains in the collection at Apsley House, Wellington's former residence in London.[4]
See also
- The Battle of Wagram, an 1836 painting by Horace Vernet