The Capture of Lieutenant General Johann Hermann von Fersen During the Battle of Bergen (19 September 1799) 1803

Dirk Langendijk captured the Capture of Lieutenant General Johann Hermann von Fersen during the Battle of Bergen with pen and gray ink and gray wash. He was a Dutch draughtsman and painter, known for his military scenes. This work depicts a specific historical event during the French Revolutionary Wars. It's a snapshot of conflict, but also a commentary on the theater of war and the individuals caught within it. The image creates meaning through its depiction of chaos and the fall of leadership. Made in the Netherlands, the drawing reflects the country’s involvement in European conflicts of the late 18th century. The capture itself speaks to the shifting political landscape and the disruption of established power structures during this revolutionary period. Understanding this artwork requires examining military records, personal accounts from the period, and the political climate of the Dutch Republic at the time. The meaning of this image is contingent on understanding its historical context.