Slag bij Rivoli

About this artwork

blad: hoogte 305 mm (Binnen plaatrand afgesneden.)

Art Historical Context

"Slag bij Rivoli (Battle of Rivoli) is a striking aquatint print by engraver Jean Dupless-Bertaux, created between 1796 and1818. Measuring 305 mm high by 429 mm wide, this sheet captures the chaos and drama of one of Napoleon Bonaparte's decisive victories during the French Revolutionary Wars. Duplessis-Bertaux, renowned for his detailed illustrations of historical events, immortalized the 1797 clash in Italy where French forces triumphed over the Austrians, paving the way for Napoleon's dominance in Europe. The Battle of Rivoli, fought amid the rugged hills near Lake Garda, marked a turning point in the Italian Campaign, boosting French morale and reshaping continental alliances. Duplessis-Bertaux's depiction likely draws from eyewitness accounts or official records, emphasizing the tactical brilliance and human cost of warfare. Note that this print has been trimmed within the plate border, a common practice for framing or binding into albums, which highlights its role in 19th-century collections of Revolutionary imagery. Aquatint, the medium here, revolutionized printmaking in the late 18th century by allowing rich tonal gradations through acid-etched resin grounds—ideal for evoking the smoke, shadows, and energy of battle scenes. As part of Duplessis-Bertaux's oeuvre, it reflects the era's fascination with heroic narratives, blending documentary precision with artistic flair for an enduring visual record of history.

About the Artist

Jean Duplessis-Bertaux · 1750–1818

Comment on works: Engraver; Painter; Military scenes; Historical scenes; prints with inscribed maker name "Duplessis Berthault" refer to Duplessis and his engraver Pierre-Gabriel Berthault, meaning both worked on the print as draftsman and engraver.