Antoine Léon Morel-Fatio – Taking of the citadel at Saigon, 17 February 1859 Château de Versailles

The canvas presents a scene of military action unfolding on and around a body of water. A large sailing vessel dominates the composition, its sails billowing in what appears to be a brisk wind. The ship is prominently displaying flags bearing tricolor designs, suggesting a connection to a nation employing these colors. Smoke billows from its deck, indicating active engagement with an unseen adversary. Several smaller boats are visible near the larger ship, carrying figures presumably involved in the operation.
The shoreline is rendered with considerable detail; lush vegetation and dense foliage line the banks of the waterway. A cluster of trees stands out on the right side of the scene, providing a backdrop to the action. On the left bank, what appears to be a fortified structure or citadel can be discerned, though its details are somewhat obscured by distance and atmospheric haze. Figures are visible near this fortification, suggesting defenders present within.
The artist’s use of light is noteworthy. A diffused illumination bathes the scene, softening the harshness of the conflict while simultaneously highlighting key elements like the ships sails and the foliage along the banks. The overall palette leans towards muted earth tones, punctuated by the vibrant colors of the flags. This color scheme contributes to a sense of realism and immediacy.
Subtly embedded within this depiction is an assertion of power and control. The scale of the vessel relative to the shoreline emphasizes its dominance over the landscape. The presence of the tricolor flags serves as a clear marker of national identity and territorial claim. The composition, with the ship positioned centrally and moving forward, conveys a sense of progress and inevitable victory.
The inclusion of detailed natural elements – the trees, the water, the vegetation – suggests an attempt to legitimize the military action by portraying it as occurring within a seemingly benign environment. This juxtaposition between the violence of conflict and the tranquility of nature creates a complex visual narrative that invites reflection on the consequences of imperial expansion. The painting seems intended not only to document an event but also to celebrate a triumph, reinforcing a particular national perspective on colonial endeavors.