description
Object description
image: A battle scene showing French chasseurs in action against German infantry and artillery. The composition is
dominated by a French cavalryman upon his rearing horse charging right to left. He is dressed in pale blue tunic and shako, red trousers
and brown leather boots. His face is partially obscured by the backward movement of his right hand clutching a bloody sabre. At the horse's
feet a German soldier wearing a pickelhaube and gripping his rifle-breech in his left hand, stumbles towards the viewer. His right hand is
outstretched to prevent a fall. To his left there lies the body of his dead companion, his face resting upon his right hand and facing
right to left. To the left of the composition the horse's hooves generate a spiral of dust. In the background, likewise charging right to
left, another French horseman, sabre arm upraised, rides a dappled mount. The sky is alive with cannon-fire.
text: 'Soldiers of the Republic, your élan will be irresistible. It will require a great effort to take the enemy's batteries and the
fortifications beyond which face you. You will have neither respite nor rest until victory is achieved. Go forth with an open heart, for
the deliverance of the Nation's soul, for the triumph of right and liberty.' Joseph Joffre, 23 September 1915.
