Since their introduction to Europe, cannon have become ever more important to victory on the battlefield. As such, the capture of an enemies cannon has brought honor, wealth and often victory. These cannon were all captured in battle, many by the forces under Napoleon. This piece is one of eighteen at the Hotel des Invalides so captured by the Imperial forces and ever since have been fired to commemorate great days in France such as Liberation Day in 1944, and for the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution.
Many more a line the yards, walls, courtyards and rooms of the Invalides.
Most are bronze pieces like these in the main court yard.
All cannon are expensive, so it was not unusual for early pieces to be treated as pieces of art as well as weapons of war. Some of the decorative arts were religious like those on the rear of this piece (although further down the barrel two naked lovers are embracing).
This mans torso was both beautiful and functional-ropes were tied around him to assist moving, aiming or firing the piece.
This Arab piece is covered in stunning plant designs.
Cannon come in all sizes, the large pieces in the rear are examples of the evolution into a new form of artillery as they are early mortar designs. The piece in front is a rare breach loading design-it didn't catch on until the late 19th century.
How about a nine barrel cannon to ruin your enemies day?
From the rear we have a lion...
while in the front we have a serpent ready to spit death at his enemies!
By the Napoleonic Wars the field piece had evolved into a no nonsense killer of bronze or iron that all modern cannon would evolve from.
The sight no attacker wished to face-the barrel of a well place cannon in strong fortifications. Yes they could be taken, but always at a cost-who knows how many lives these piece took before they became the museum pieces of today.
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