Reitergefecht, rechts eine Burg 

Charles Parrocel made this pen and grey wash drawing of a cavalry battle sometime in the first half of the 18th century. War imagery was extremely popular, and images like these were in high demand. Parrocel came from a family of artists and became known for his military scenes, which often glorified the French military and its leaders. France was often at war at this time. In 1730, Parrocel was admitted to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, which gave artists state patronage. This institution played a huge role in shaping artistic taste and promoting certain styles. The Academy valued technical skill, classical ideals, and the ability to create grand, heroic narratives. Parrocel's battle scenes fit perfectly with these values. Historians can study military art like this to gain insight into the culture that created it. What did people think about war, leadership, and national identity? By studying Parrocel's drawings alongside other historical sources, such as military reports and personal letters, we can gain a deeper understanding of 18th-century France.