Cavalry Combat at the Battle of Arques 1815 - 1825

Horace Vernet created this print, "Cavalry Combat at the Battle of Arques," using a technique called lithography. Lithography involves drawing on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treating the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. This allows for the creation of multiple, relatively inexpensive copies. Lithography democratized image production in the 19th century, making art more accessible to a wider audience. Vernet skillfully uses the medium to create a sense of dynamic movement. Look closely, and you can see how the texture of the lithographic crayon creates the image. The subtle tonal variations evoke the chaos and energy of battle. This work speaks to the rise of print culture and its impact on both artistic practice and the consumption of art. It also represents a form of industrialized labor, in which an original artwork can be replicated for mass distribution, impacting social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Understanding the material and the making of this print helps us appreciate its role in a changing world.