The Shades of French Soldiers from the Past Exhort the Army to Victory on the Rhine

c. 1870

Gustave Doré

Associated Names
Gustave Doré

Artist, French, 1832 - 1883

This is a painting of various figures holding flags and swords against an evening sky. The scene appears to be a military or triumphant moment, with figures gathered around, possibly atop a hill. The evening sky features a glowing moon partially obscured by clouds, casting light over the landscape. The figures in the painting are drawn in a sketch-like manner, hinting at movement and emotion, with many holding their hands and arms aloft. The earth tones and rough outlines give the painting a sense of urgency and vibrancy. This is in the style of Franz von Menzel.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    brush and brown ink, black watercolor, and white gouache over graphite on wove paper, laid down on heavy paper

  • Credit Line

    Helen Porter and James T. Dyke Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 65.5 x 91 cm (25 13/16 x 35 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2006.62.1

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

M. Bourdelin, Paris; Mme Joseph Michel, niece of the artist, Paris; by descent to her daughter, Mme. Jouaust; by descent to private collector, family of the artist; (sale, Sotheby's London, 19 November 2001, no. 137); (Richard L. Feigen & Co., New York); purchased 2006 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2008

  • Medieval to Modern: Recent Acquisitions of Drawings, Prints, and Illustrated Books, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2008, no. 122.

2012

  • Color, Line, Light: French Drawings, Watercolors, and Pastels from Delacroix to Signac. Musée des impressionnismes Giverny and National Gallery of Art, Washington. Washington, 2012, 45, 159, no. 20 (color). (French title: De Delacroix à Signac: Dessins de la collection Dyke.)

Bibliography

1891

  • Jerrold, Blanchard. Life of Gustave Doré. London, 1891: 291-291, 408.

1931

  • Leblanc, Henri. Catalogue de l'oeuvre complet de Gustav Doré. Paris, 1931: 29, 503, 530, no. 177.

Inscriptions

lower left in brown gouache: à mon ami Bourdelin / G Doré

Wikidata ID

Q64572798

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