Somosierra

Somosierra from 1839 at the National Museum in Krakow depicts the famous cavalry charge during Napoleon's invasion of Spain in 1808. Polish lancers led the charge, making this painting particularly significant for Polish national memory. Vernet, director of the French Academy in Rome from 1828 and one of the most prolific history painters of the 19th century, executed military and narrative subjects with the fluid technical assurance and documentary accuracy that made him the pre-eminent French

The cavalry charge is rendered with dramatic energy and documentary precision. Vernet's equestrian expertise creates a compelling image of military courage.