Ferrer-Dalmau: a Spanish painter of battles
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| Agustina de Aragon by Ferrer-Dalmau |
My favourite Ferrer-Dalmau picture is 'Agustina de Aragón' shown above. Agustina Raimunda María Saragossa Domènech, or Agustina de Aragón (March 4, 1786 – May 29, 1857) was a Spanish heroine of the Spanish War of Independence (the Peninsular War for the english-speaking people). The action that made her famous, took place during the first French siege of Saragosse. "On July 2, 1808, the French army stormed the Portillo, an ancient gateway into the city defended by a hodgepodge battery of old cannons and a heavily outnumbered volunteer unit. Agustina, arriving on the ramparts with a basket of apples to feed the gunners, watched the nearby defenders fall to French bayonets. The Spanish troops broke ranks, having suffered heavy casualties, and abandoned their posts. With the French troops a few yards away, Agustina herself ran forward, loaded a gun, and lit the fuse, shredding a wave of attackers at point blank range. The sight of a lone woman bravely manning the cannons inspired the fleeing Spanish troops and other volunteers to return and assist her."
The picture shows the moments after the firing of the gun. A young Agustina (she was 22 years old) remains challenging at the side of the artillery piece, amongst dead and wounded, waiting for the next French attack and knowing that she can no longer do anything.
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| General Alava by Ferrer-Dalmau |
The above video is a summary of the exhibition. You can enjoy more of the Ferrer-Dalmau's work in Wikimedia Commons
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Thanks Rafa. I had never heard of this artist but must say I like his style a lot. Reminds me of Eduoard Detaille.
ReplyDeleteWow! Excellent paintings! He really captures the atmosphere, smoke and dust and mud and dirt, the sheen of the horses' coats, the look of the people, the action, everything! It must be inspiring to see them in person.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that!
Excellent find, Rafa! Thanks for sharing.
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