The Battle of Smolensk, 17th August 1812

作品描述

The Battle of Smolensk is an 1839 history painting by the French artist Jean-Charles Langlois. It depicts the Battle of Smolensk fought on 17 August 1812 during the French Invasion of Russia. The first major battle of the campaign it was a French victory with Napoleon leading his forces to victory. In the process French artillery bombardments left Smolensk, particularly the Old City, in flames. The painting shows the burning city straddling the River Dnieper in the background. In the foreground are Napoleon and the Polish commander Józef Poniatowski.