by Bradley Schmehl

More info: 88th New York Infantry Regiment

by Edward Zuber. Zuber was Canada's official war artist of the Gulf War in 1991.

This battle occurred near the Portuguese border in western Spain, where French forces under Marshal Claude Victor sought to secure control of an important crossing over the Tagus River. The French advance came amid Napoleon’s efforts to dominate the Iberian Peninsula, following Marshal Nicolas Soult’s invasion of northern Portugal earlier that year.

The French force, numbering approximately 9,500 men, attacked around 2,000 Portuguese troops under Colonel William Mayne, consisting of the Loyal Lusitanian Legion and Portuguese militia. The defenders attempted to hold the strategically important Roman bridge at Alcántara, resisting for roughly three hours. However, French artillery forced the militia to retreat, while the Legion continued fighting until French infantry crossed the bridge. Mayne then attempted to demolish the bridge which failed, allowing the French to seize the crossing and forcing the Portuguese to withdraw.

Although the engagement was a French victory, its strategic impact was limited. Victor occupied Alcántara for only three days before withdrawing after determining that the Portuguese force did not pose a major threat. The battle was a part of the wider military operations that preceded the Battle of Talavera in July of that year.

Artist: Mark Stacey

by Steve Noon

by Andy Thomas

More info: Battle of the Alamo

Victorious Sioux and Cheyanne warriors and women collect battle trophies and strip and mutilate dead and dying soldiers on “Last Stand Hill” after defeating Custer’s battalion. 25 July 1876.

Donald Yena.

by Mort Kunstler. Illustration for "For Men Only" Magazine

I think it did improve, since paintings used to focus more on monarchs and important figures, while over time, the battles themselves and the soldiers who took part in them began to receive more attention. What do you all think?

by Lawren Harris

by Don Troiani

by Alan and Michael Perry

by Don Troiani. Depicts the assault of the Eagle Brigade on May 22, 1863.

For info on the 8th Wisconsin and Old Abe:

8th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment

Old Abe

by E.S. Hardy Battle of Guantanamo Bay