Object Image

The Battle of Hanau

Following his defeat at the Battle of Leipzig on 19 October 1813, Napoleon was forced to withdraw west of the Rhine and retreat to France. As the French withdrew, they met a force of Austro-Bavarian troops, under the command of Karl Philipp von Wrede, on 30 October at the town of Hanau, near Frankfurt. Despite their previous heavy losses, the French, under the personal command of Napoleon, pushed back Wrede's troops and captured Hanau, which gave them eventual access to France. The Battle of Hanau was one of Napoleon's final victories before France was invaded.

This painting is the third in a group of four battle scenes commissioned from Vernet by the duc d'Orléans. Although the duke did not f...

1824
Oil on canvas
174.0 x 289.8cm
NG2966
Image and text © The National Gallery, London, 2024

Where you'll find this