The Battle of Sedan; and The Battle of Gravelotte

These two pictures by van Imschoot illustrate two key battles fought towards the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870. The Battle of Gravelotte took place on the 18th August when the French army commanded under Marschal Bazaine were driven back by the Prussians to the fortress of Metz, where they were surrounded, eventually surrendering two months later in October. The Battle of Sedan proved to be the decisive battle in the War, leading to the defeat and surrender of Napoleon III's entire army on 1 September 1870.

These paintings were visibly signed, inscribed and dated 'Charge du 3me Reg des Cuirassiers Francais/ a la Bataille de Sedan. 1 Septembre 1870./ Jules Van Imschoot./ Bruxelles' and 'Charge du huitieme Reg des Cuirasfiers/ Pruissiens a la Bataille de/ Gravelotte sous Metz 1870/ Jules Van Imschoot/ Bruxelles' respectively, on the reverse, prior to relining.