Henri Ch. Étienne DUJARDIN-BEAUMETZ (1852-1913) after The Offence Against the French Flag. Oil on canvas (tears). 82 X 114 cm. Note: The painting depicts a famous scene from the Franco-Prussian war, which took place during the surrender of Metz on 26 October 1870. Disobeying the order to hand over his flags, General Lapasset preferred to destroy them: "The mixed brigade does not give its flags back to anyone and does not rely on anyone to carry out the sad task of burning them. It did so itself this morning and I have here the minutes of this dismal operation". Inscribed "Pechin" "Oudin".