The Imperial Guard in Magenta, June 4, 1859

The Battle Magenta, which took place on June 4, 1859, during the Italian campaign, ended with a Franco-Sardinian victory. This painting illustrates the moment when a division of the Imperial Guard, under the command of General Mellinet, clashed with the resistance from the Austrian White Coats. Galvanized by General Regnaud, who commissioned the painting, they held off the enemy for almost four hours, until backup arrived under the command of Mac-Mahon, who was named Duke of Magenta that very evening by Napoleon III.
The painter chose to use a tight frame. The scene exalts the resistance efforts of the highly trained Imperial Guard, who were already well-versed in the art of combat after the glorious events of the Crimean War. In the foreground, General Reginaud orders General Mellinet to attack while his horse steps over Austrian corpses. Behind him, grenadiers, cuirassiers, Zouaves, and artillerymen launch themselves into combat. To the right, Austrian corpses, wounded soldiers, and prisoners mix with the Zouaves and grenadiers of the Guard as the battle rages on just yards away. In the background, the Austrians, hiding in their houses, open fire on the French troops as the Guard cavalry appears to the left of the scene, commanded by General Cassaignoles. The impeccable depiction of the uniforms and the accuracy of the topography made this work a real success.