The Attack and Taking of Ratisbon, 23rd April 1809 Charles Thévenin (1764-1838)

The canvas presents a chaotic scene of urban warfare, dominated by a sense of immediate and violent action. Here we see a sprawling engagement unfolding against a backdrop of a fortified city. The foreground is densely populated with figures engaged in close-quarters combat – soldiers on horseback clashing with infantrymen, individuals grappling directly amidst the smoke and debris. A palpable tension permeates the scene; bodies are contorted in expressions of pain or exertion, weapons are raised in attack or defense, and the overall impression is one of intense struggle for control.
The composition directs attention towards a central point: a breach in the city’s fortifications. Flames erupt from this damaged section, creating a dramatic focal point that draws the eye upward. The smoke billowing outwards obscures parts of the scene, adding to the sense of confusion and disorder inherent in battle. A ladder is extended toward the walls, suggesting an ongoing attempt to scale them and further penetrate the defenses.
The artist has employed a palette dominated by earth tones – browns, greens, and grays – which contribute to the grim realism of the depiction. The red uniforms of one side stand out against this muted background, creating visual emphasis on their presence and activity within the melee. Light plays an important role; shafts of sunlight break through the clouds, illuminating specific areas of conflict while leaving others shrouded in shadow, further enhancing the dramatic effect.
Beyond the immediate portrayal of military action, subtexts relating to power and control are evident. The scale of the engagement suggests a significant clash between opposing forces, with the city itself representing a strategic prize. The destruction depicted – the burning buildings, the fallen soldiers – speaks to the devastating consequences of conflict and the high cost of victory. There is an implicit narrative of conquest; one side appears to be actively pushing forward, attempting to overcome the defenses of the other. The composition’s emphasis on movement and dynamism conveys a sense of relentless momentum in this struggle for dominance.

The work seems intended not merely as a record of events but also as a glorification of military prowess and an assertion of authority.