Scene from the Gallic Wars: The Gaul Littavicus, Betraying the Roman Cause, Flees to Gergovie to Support Vercingétorix 1838 - 1840

Théodore Chassériau's "Scene from the Gallic Wars: The Gaul Littavicus, Betraying the Roman Cause, Flees to Gergovie to Support Vercingétorix" (1838-1840) depicts a dramatic moment from the Gallic Wars. The painting portrays Littavicus, a Gaulish leader, escaping Roman forces to join Vercingétorix, leader of the Arverni tribe, in resisting Roman conquest. Chassériau masterfully captures the tension and urgency of the scene, conveying the chaos and violence of battle through the use of dynamic poses and expressive gestures. This historical subject matter, combined with Chassériau's Romantic style, adds a sense of drama and emotion to the work. The painting's small size and intimate scale make it a compelling example of Chassériau's ability to capture the essence of a historical event in a focused and engaging manner.