Combat de Francfort - Francisque-Martin-François Grenier de Saint-Martin

A detailed historical lithograph depicting a military engagement from the French Revolutionary Wars, part of the Victoires et Conquêtes series.

This lithograph, titled Combat de Francfort, depicts a scene from the French Revolutionary Wars. It was produced as part of the series Victoires et Conquêtes, a publication documenting the military history of France. The artist, Francisque-Martin-François Grenier de Saint-Martin, captures a moment of command and tactical observation on the battlefield.

The composition centres on a mounted officer, who gestures towards the field, while a soldier stands nearby, hand to his brow, observing the action. The scene includes infantrymen positioned behind stone fortifications, their muskets held at the ready. The background features a modest structure and a line of cavalry, suggesting the scale of the engagement. The lithographic technique allows for fine detail in the uniforms, the horses, and the expressions of the soldiers, providing a clear view of the period equipment and attire.

Grenier de Saint-Martin was known for his military subjects, often focusing on the realities of the Napoleonic era and the preceding revolutionary conflicts. This work reflects the interest in documenting national history through print media during the early nineteenth century. The inclusion of the text at the base, referencing the specific volume and page of the Victoires et Conquêtes series, indicates its original purpose as an illustrative plate for a historical publication. The print provides a glimpse into the visual culture of the time, where military exploits were frequently translated into accessible, monochrome imagery for a public audience. The technical execution, typical of early lithography, relies on delicate hatching to create depth and texture across the figures and the terrain.