Close-ups
Framed and on the wall
Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the piece could look; it is sold unframed unless the description says otherwise.
Battle of Besalú: French Troops in Action During the Napoleonic Wars, 1808
€220
$250 · £185
Original print, not a reproduction.
Ships worldwide from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked. 14-day returns. To buy, use Ask a question and we will reserve it for you.
- Date
- 1808
- Sheet size
- 13 × 15.7 in (33 × 40 cm)
- Condition
- The print is in good condition, with vibrant colors and minimal foxing, mostly around the margins. One wrinkle line in the clouds. There are no significant tears or stains, preserving its visual and historical appeal.
- Collection
- Battle scenes
- Era
- 1790 to 1815, Napoleonic wars
- Stock no.
- f_43036732
This 19th-century lithograph, created by Godefroy Engelmann after a work by Langlois, vividly depicts French troops attacking the historic town of Besalú in Girona, Spain, during the Napoleonic Wars in 1808.
The scene captures the dramatic intensity of the conflict, with soldiers in mid-battle, smoke from gunfire, and the chaos of war unfolding near the town's iconic medieval bridge. The backdrop features Besalú's distinctive architecture, including its fortified bridge and Romanesque buildings, which add historical and geographical context to the artwork.
This lithograph is a fine example of 19th-century military art, combining historical accuracy with artistic skill. It originates from a French publication focused on the Napoleonic campaigns, illustrating key moments from the Peninsular War. Engelmann’s mastery of lithography is evident in the detailed rendering of both the figures and the natural landscape, making this piece an excellent representation of its time.
Godefroy Engelmann, a pioneering lithographer, was active during the early to mid-19th century. His collaboration with artists like Langlois on military subjects was prominent during this period. Given the style and subject matter, it's plausible that this lithograph was published between 1820 and 1840. However, without specific publication records, pinpointing the exact year remains challenging.
Condition: The print is in good condition, with vibrant colors and minimal foxing limited to the margins. There are no significant tears or stains, preserving its visual and historical appeal.
This piece will attract collectors of Napoleonic memorabilia, military history enthusiasts, and those interested in 19th-century lithography or Spanish history. It is a striking representation of an important moment in European history.
Keywords: Napoleonic wars lithograph, Besalu battle, French troops 1808, Engelmann Langlois, Girona history, military art print, 19th century lithography, Spanish campaign, collectible lithograph.
