Harnessed Artillery 1817

Carle Vernet created this print, “Harnessed Artillery,” using etching, a technique that allows for detailed line work. Vernet was working in a period of significant upheaval in France and Europe. Note the scene's depiction of men and horses, and how their intertwined destinies seem to mirror the societal structures of the time. We’re invited to think about the power dynamics inherent in military endeavors: the human control over animals, and by extension, the control exerted by those in power over the populace. The artillery itself symbolizes technological advancement used for purposes of conflict. There is an undeniable tension between the refined technique of the etching and the realities of war that it implies. The print is not just a visual document of military life but an invitation to consider the social and ethical implications of such displays of power. It challenges us to reflect on the individuals involved, both human and animal, and the roles they play within larger historical narratives.