On 6 November 1792 Dumouriez defeated the Austrians under the Duke of Saxe-Teschen and Clerfayt at Jemappes, near Mons. This led to the French occupation of Belgium.
This is one of four battle scenes painted by Vernet for the Duc d'Orléans (later King Louis-Philippe) depicting French successes in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. The other three are 'The Battle of Hanau', 'The Battle of Montmirail' and 'The Battle of Valmy'. They were damaged in 1848 but restored under the artist's supervision.
The Duc d'Orléans had been involved in this battle and in the battle of Valmy, and Vernet's pictures became part of his propaganda campaign to establish his revolutionary credentials.
