A raging battle; most likely the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, painted by Horace Vernet in 1819. Standing in front of this painting which I have done a number of times, the scene envelops the senses.
A contrast of kindness afforded a little dog in comparison to the raging battle behind.
Such realism may penetrate the naturally protected imagination from the drama and tragedy of human conflict.
Smell the smoke, hear the crack of muskets firing and canon a brittle-like booming and soldiers fighting for their lives.
Bayonets flashing, thrusting at those on the other side of the conflict.
A surreal calmness as foot soldiers in the foreground; a drummer and trumpeter tending to a little dog, with genuine care. Imagination creates a vision where the scene is surrounded by a protective screen, minimising sounds and sights of battle.
The look on the soldier’s faces, genuinely caring for this little dog in the middle of a battle.
This may seem overtly irresponsible. How many dogs would be part of a regiment? ‘Dog OF the regiment’. Perhaps a pathway to kindness and care in the heat of battle.
This painting really gathers the feelings of the the soldiers. Challenging to imagine such compassion.
Look at the painting and loosen imagination. A field of battle and an act of kindness.
Featured image acknowledgement: The Wallace Collection
