Conquest of Holland, 1795 - Denis-Auguste-Marie Raffet

A detailed lithograph by Denis-Auguste-Marie Raffet depicting the French army's winter campaign in the Netherlands during 1795.

This lithograph by Denis-Auguste-Marie Raffet depicts the French Revolutionary Wars, specifically the winter campaign of 1795 in the Netherlands. Raffet, a draughtsman and printmaker, specialised in military subjects, often focusing on the Napoleonic era and the campaigns of the French Republic. His work is noted for its technical precision and ability to capture the atmosphere of military movement under difficult conditions.

The composition shows a vast column of French infantry and cavalry advancing across a frozen, snow-covered plain. A traditional Dutch windmill stands to the right, providing a clear geographical marker for the setting. The soldiers are depicted in a state of hardship, marching through the winter elements. Raffet uses the medium of lithography to create soft, tonal variations in the snow and sky, contrasting with the sharper, darker lines of the soldiers and their equipment. The scene conveys the scale of the military manoeuvres, with the long line of troops stretching into the distance.

Below the image, the French title 'Conquête de la Hollande (1795)' is printed, accompanied by a short verse by Béranger. This text adds a layer of historical narrative, reflecting the contemporary French perspective on the campaign. The print is a characteristic example of nineteenth-century military illustration, where the focus is on the collective experience of the army rather than the glorification of a single commander. The work demonstrates Raffet's skill in managing complex group compositions within a confined space, maintaining clarity despite the density of the figures. It remains a valuable visual record of the period's military history, documenting both the tactical movements and the environmental challenges faced by the troops during the winter of 1795.