**Originally Listed At $750**

Gustave Vient (French, 1847-1900). Franco-Prussian War Battle Scene - oil on canvas, ca. 1870. Signed "G. Vient" at lower right. A dramatic Franco-Prussian War battle scene by 19th century French artist Gustave Vient. The scene presents soldiers firing from behind a barricade in a village with war-torn edifices, another group of armed soldiers rushing towards the barricade, and at the center a trumpeter sounding the alarm to signal attack. A fallen soldier lies face down on the dirt road in the foreground, a few soldiers are exiting the building at the right, and another soldier is firing from an upper window of a building at the left. Size of painting: 15.125" L x 18.125" W (38.4 cm x 46 cm) Size of frame: 19.4" L x 22.5" W (49.3 cm x 57.2 cm)

It is believed that Gustave Vient fought in the war of 1870, because he painted several military portraits and battle scenes like this example. While very little is known of Vient's biography, aside from his war paintings, we do know that his work was exhibited at the Paris Salon between 1878 and 1881.

The Franco-Prussian War upset the balance of power in Europe, resulting in the fall of Napoleon III's Second Empire, the Paris Commune of 1871, the establishment of the Second Republic and the German Empire. According to scholars, this war's military aspects were fascinating, because these immense armies were equipped with the most advanced weaponry due to Europe’s industrial revolution. Impressive formations were devastated by the focused fire of breech-loading rifles, steel guns, and machine guns.

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

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#174007

Painting is signed "G. Vient" at the lower right. A 2" tear on the canvas has been secured on the verso with acid-free tape. Verso of canvas has darkened over time and shows normal stains commensurate with age. Age wear and normal losses to stretcher bars commensurate with age as well. We would recommend that this painting be restored given its historical importance and impressive artistry. The frame post-dates the painting; it's brass plaque erroneously reads "J. Vient" rather than "G. Vient" but this could easily be removed if desired. Frame is otherwise very attractive save a few age-appropriate scuffs.