Flight of Charles the Bold 1895

Eugène Burnand painted "Flight of Charles the Bold" in the late 19th or early 20th century, capturing a scene of fleeing figures on horseback. Burnand lived during a period of significant social change and increasing nationalism across Europe. The painting depicts a moment of defeat and vulnerability for the ruling class. It is a scene dominated by men in armor, yet there is an undercurrent of fear and desperation, almost as though the painting is questioning the supposed strength and dominance of the patriarchy. There is a dog wearing a green coat in the lower left of the artwork, which is a symbol of wealth and status, though even they are fleeing from the battle. Burnand develops an alternative narrative about power, leadership and what it means to be in a position of authority, challenging traditional representations of heroism and valor. The emotional undercurrent in the artwork reminds us that history is not just a story of great victories, but also of human experiences and the struggle for power.