Surprise 1845 - 1901

"Surprise" is a 19th-century etching by François-Nicolas Chifflart. Created between 1845 and 1901, the artwork depicts a chaotic scene of a battle, with numerous figures, horses, and a dog engaged in a struggle. The use of dark, expressive lines, characteristic of Chifflart's style, emphasizes the dramatic action. This etching, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the artist's mastery of capturing movement and emotion through the medium of printmaking. The artwork is titled "Surprise" implying that the events portrayed are a surprise to those involved, making the viewer a silent witness to the chaotic scene.