A SOLDIER AT WATERLOO.
M. Jazet has here attempted to produce a picture which shall revive all the recollections of that remarkable period, when the extraordinary career of Napoleon spread terror wherever his name and deeds were heard of. He has represented an old soldier fatigued and careworn, and has made nature itself sympathize with his feelings. The sun is setting in the west, his crimson rays dimmed by intervening clouds, while the scene around is desolate and barren.
The picture was placed in the gallery of the Palais Royal, and those who visit it readily enter into its spirit, seeing there depicted the end of a grand epoch in the history of France.
A SOLDIER AT WATERLOO.
A FIELD HOSPITAL.
The devotion shown to the memory of Napoleon, by the spirited painter of the original picture from which this is copied, has been profitable to that talented artist. Few of his contemporaries have succeeded better than M. Bellangé, in depicting subjects which illustrate the “Imperial Epoch.”
This picture is well conceived, free and natural. It is a scene which occurred repeatedly on the battle-field in Napoleon’s campaigns. “Vive l’Empereur,” let the wound be slight or mortal; “Vive l’Empereur!” was the wounded soldier’s cry, though scarcely able to see his Captain as he passed. With such devotion as this, what had not the ‘Grand Homme’ to hope for! These were not the soldiers to abandon him. Honor, rank, riches, were not able to corrupt them. And if they had not been so patriotic; if they had not been models of military discipline;—what would they not have undertaken for love of their General, for him who had led them to victory and glory. Poor fellows! humble laborers in the vast plain of a great architect, you assisted in raising the great monument; your task should not have been without recompense.
