The assault c. 1884

"The Assault" is a charcoal drawing on paper by Wilhelm Steinhausen, created around 1884 and now housed at the Städel Museum. The artwork depicts a nighttime scene of a violent battle with a group of soldiers on horseback attacking a fortified city. The moon casts a dim glow on the scene, emphasizing the dramatic action of the assault. Steinhausen masterfully captures the chaos and intensity of the battle through expressive brushstrokes and a dynamic composition. The work’s stark contrast between light and shadow, and its focus on action, are characteristic of historical painting styles popular in the 19th century.