François-Emile de LANSAC (1803-1890), after. French school of the 19th century. Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte at Arcis sur Aubes, during the French campaign (1814). Oil on canvas. 79x 106 cm Historical background: After the German campaign, Napoleon was forced to cross the Rhine again, mobilizing his troops. The coalition armies poured into France from all sides, while the French army was scattered in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. On March 20, 1814, after recalling Marshals Oudinot and Macdonald, Napoleon headed for Arcis-sur-Aube, where he saw shells exploding in front of battalions of young recruits retreating. He rushes forward to lead them, and when a shell falls at the foot of his horse, he doesn't move. The shell explodes, the horse is gutted, but Napoleon stands up. The soldiers cheer him on, charge forward and take Torcy.

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