Exhibition labels & didactics - National Gallery of Victoria

Charles THÉVENIN
French 1764–1838
The attack and capture of Ratisbon
by Marshal Lannes, 23 April 1809
Attaque et prise de Ratisbonne
par le maréchal Lannes, 23 avril 1809
1810
oil on canvas
Versailles, Châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon inv. MV 1740
Moving into Bavaria at the start of his war
with Austria in 1809, Napoleon advanced
along the Danube River, arriving at Ratisbon
(Regensburg) on 23 April. Marshal Lannes
is shown here leading the grenadiers of the
25th Line Infantry Regiment in an assault
on the city, while an aide-de-camp tries to
protect him. Thévenin’s painting provides a
context for him to show extremely precise
details of military uniforms and arms, as well
as the actions of soldiers caught up in the
exhilaration of battle.
201
© COPYRIGHT
This document remains the property of the National Gallery of Victoria and must be returned upon request. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without written authorisation.