An Episode on the Field of Battle
- Artist: Charles-Philogène Tschaggeny
- Date: 1848
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is "An Episode on the Field of Battle" by Charles-Philogène Tschaggeny, a French painter who worked in England during the mid 19th century. The scene before us depicts a chaotic battle, with horses and soldiers scattered across the ground.
Notice how the beast throws back its head, frothing at the mouth as it whinnies in terror. This sense of panic is palpable, and I think adds to the overall feeling of intensity that pervades this painting. In the foreground, a soldier's horse rolls to the ground; an armoured foot soldier lies dead beside it.
The costumes of both men suggest that this battle scene is set during the English Civil War between 1642 and 1651. Tschaggeny likely painted this in England around 1848, when he was at the height of his career. His work here showcases his skill with capturing dynamic movement and energy on canvas.
As we take a closer look, you can see how the artist masterfully uses light and shadow to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. The battle rages in the background, while the central figures are frozen in a moment of chaos.
See it in person
An Episode on the Field of Battle hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
