The Battle of Poitiers, 25th October 732, won by Charles Martel 

Charles de Steuben’s “The Battle of Poitiers,” was painted in oil on canvas. With his brush, de Steuben captured a dramatic and decisive moment in European history. Oil paint, ground from pigment, allows for layers and nuanced effects. De Steuben utilized this to create a powerful composition that emphasizes the battle's chaos. Note the dynamism in the layering of the figures, as well as the details on the warriors’ armory: the riveted mail, the etched sword blades and hammered shields. These objects, made through skilled labor, speak of the technologies of warfare and societal power. The layering of the oil paint, mimicking the overlapping of bodies and the complexity of conflict, adds to the image’s visual and tactile intensity. Ultimately, by considering the artistry and social context, we recognize how de Steuben elevated this battle, transforming craft into a profound statement about history.