Three Male Heads from “The Capitulation of Madrid, December 4, 1808

Antoine-Jean Gros's painting "Three Male Heads from 'The Capitulation of Madrid, December 4, 1808'" serves as a study for his larger work depicting the surrender of Spanish forces to Napoleon's troops during the Peninsular War. The painting exemplifies Gros's interest in the psychological and emotional dimensions of his subjects, contributing to the Romantic movement's emphasis on individual expression and the human experience in the context of historical events.

Antoine-Jean Gros's painting "Three Male Heads from 'The Capitulation of Madrid, December 4, 1808'" features a triptych arrangement of three male figures, each rendered with distinct facial expressions that convey a range of emotions, from despair to resignation. The use of chiaroscuro enhances the dramatic effect, while the meticulous attention to detail in the depiction of the subjects' features underscores Gros's commitment to realism and the psychological depth of his characters.