Jean Duplessis-bertaux (1747 - 29 September 1818), The Battle Of Oudenaarde

Jean Duplessis-Bertaux (1747 - 29 September 1818)

The Battle of Oudenaarde

(2) Oil on board, cm 27 x 37

With frame, cm 43 x 53

Signed on the bottom left "J. Bertaux"

Jean Duplessis-Bertaux was trained as an engraver in the studio of Jacques-Philippe Le Bas, after studying drawing with the painter Joseph-Marie Vien, teacher of Jacques-Louis David. The artist takes over an academic technique, rich in chiaroscuro and that also gives emphasis to small figures, typical of the eighteenth century engraving. His production, which is very extensive, is often used in publishing companies of wide scope - with the participation of many artists, among designers and engravers, including Pierre-Gabriel Berthault - with full-page plates and vignettes. Among these are Voyage pittoresque à Naples et en Sicile by Jean-Claude Richard de Saint-Non, Précis historique de la Révolution française, La Galerie di Palais-Royal and Tableaux, statues, bas-reliefs et camées de la Galerie de Florence et du palais Pitti (1789-1807). Although he is mainly known for his incision work and his work as a bulinist, Jean Duplessis-Bertaux also produces numerous battle scenes, often depicting the crucial events of the Napoleonic campaigns, The Conquest of the Tuileries Palace on 10 August 1792, currently displayed in the magnificent Battle of Versailles.

In this beautiful pair of paintings the French artist represents the events that took place during the battle of Oudenaarde, during the War of Spanish Succession, fought on July 11, 1708, in East Flanders. In the first painting, the English troops of the Duke of Marlborough face the French, marked by the characteristic blue banner. In the second painting, the dynamic figures of the French soldiers stand out against the imperial hussars commanded by Prince Eugene of Savoy.