Behind the Art: England’s greatest triumph: The Battle of Agincourt and its Shakespearean legacy

Behind the Art: The Battle of Agincourt, famously depicted by Shakespeare in "Henry V," saw King Henry V of England facing tough odds in his French invasion. Renowned artist William Kent immortalised the battle on his canvas, but how does Agincourt continue to symbolise triumph over adversity?

The Battle of Agincourt c.1729, William Kent. (Source: Royal Collection Trust)

Amid the Hundred Years’ War, a historic battle was fought that would go on to become one of the most famous clashes in history – the Battle of Agincourt, which has been immortalised by none other than the great playwright, William Shakespeare, in his iconic play, Henry V. A young and ambitious ruler, Henry V, who ascended the throne of England in 1413, had his sights set on a grand invasion of France. The coastal town of Harfleur became his primary target, but its resistance was fierce and unyielding. A long and grueling siege ensued and amidst the relentless struggle, diseases like dysentery spread through the ranks of the English army. But undeterred, Henry and his men pressed on, never losing sight of their goal. The resounding triumph at the Battle of Agincourt would become a pinnacle of England’s history, igniting a spark of boundless national pride that would forever illuminate the hearts of the English people. Renowned artist William Kent captured this historic moment on canvas, depicting the intense combat between Henry V and a French Royal warrior. The painting evoked the spirit of Shakespeare’s play, forever preserving the bravery and determination that shaped the fate of nations. How does Agincourt remain an enduring symbol of triumph against adversity?

The Battle of Agincourt and its Significance

In the year 1415, the stage was set for an epic clash in Northern France, as England and France locked horns in the infamous Battle of Agincourt. It was a pivotal moment in the Hundred Years’ War, and the stakes could not have been higher. Under the leadership of their valiant King Henry V, the English army faced a formidable challenge – an imposing French force, numerically superior. On that fateful Friday, October 25th, known as Saint Crispin’s Day, Henry V led his troops with unwavering courage, however, the French king Charles VI, plagued by illness, could not take the field himself.

The English army, numbering between 6,000 and 11,000 strong, stood gallantly against the French, whose forces were estimated between 12,000 and 36,000 soldiers. The odds were daunting, but the English had a secret weapon up their sleeves – the longbow. With astonishing precision, the English archers unleashed a deadly hail of arrows, decimating over 6,000 Frenchmen while suffering a mere 400 casualties themselves.

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Henry V achieved a legendary victory, not only as a conqueror on the battlefield but also as the recognised heir to the French throne and the regent of France. However, after the triumph, a dark decision was made. Henry V ordered the killing of French prisoners, sparing only the high-ranking nobles, in order to prevent them from regrouping.

In hindsight, The Battle of Agincourt would echo through history as a defining moment that shaped the course of medieval Europe and left a legacy of pride and courage for generations to come.

The Artist, His Vision and Criticism

After spending years training in Italy from 1709 to 1719, William Kent emerged as a renowned architect and designer in England, positioned to receive abundant aristocratic and royal patronage. His early breakthrough came in 1722 when he secured a significant Royal commission to decorate Kensington Palace, thanks to the support of Lord Burlington. Subsequently, in 1739, Kent succeeded Jervas as Principal Painter to George II, further solidifying his status in the artistic circles of the time.

While Kent’s architectural and design prowess garnered admiration, his talents as a painter faced criticism, particularly from rivals like Hogarth, who according to several art critics, viewed his success with envy. The limitations in Kent’s painting style were evident in his work, where the arrangement appeared overtly obvious, the drawing lacked finesse, and the overall handling seemed unremarkable and uninspiring.

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Kent’s portfolio features a noteworthy painting that is part of a set of three scenes depicting the life of Henry V, likely commissioned by Queen Caroline. The central piece showcases the Battle of Agincourt, while the other scenes portray Henry V meeting the French queen and marrying her daughter, Catherine of Valois. These paintings create a picturesque and somewhat triumphant sense of antiquity, loosely reminiscent of Shakespeare’s renowned play, Henry V.

In this central scene, Kent captured the climactic moment of Henry V’s most celebrated victory, the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. The painting portrays the English monarch engaged in fierce combat with a French Royal warrior, whose jupon bears the iconic fleur-de-lis emblem. The dramatic depiction showcases Kent’s inclination towards historical subjects and attempts to evoke the spirit of Shakespeare’s acclaimed play.

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Despite the criticism of his painting style, William Kent’s artistic contributions and his connection to influential patrons cemented his legacy as a prominent figure in the art world of his time. His work, including this captivating portrayal of Henry V’s triumph, continues to be appreciated for its historical significance and representation of the artistic trends of the era.

Next up in Behind the Art: The Emotional Impact of Copley’s ‘The Passing of Major Peirson’ – A Glimpse into 18th-Century Jersey

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Khyati Rajvanshi

Khyati Rajvanshi is a Digital Audio News Editor. She writes on Art and Culture and has a weekly column called 'Behind the Art'. She is an alumna of Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom and University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom. ... Read More

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