De Fransen in Piëmont, 1859 1859 - 1860

"The French in Piedmont," made in 1859 by Pellerin & Cie, presents a series of vignettes depicting the French presence in Italy during the Second Italian War of Independence. Notice the recurring image of soldiers. Their presence evokes the Roman legions, whose discipline and power shaped the ancient world. Here, the soldiers are modern, yet they carry forward the age-old symbolism of military might. Consider the handshake motif appearing throughout history in various forms, from ancient Roman carvings to contemporary political imagery. It signifies alliance and agreement. Yet, here, it also conveys power dynamics, underscoring the complex relationship between the French and Italian populations. The artist taps into a collective memory of historical interactions, evoking a deep, subconscious understanding of power, alliance, and cultural exchange. It’s a reminder of how symbols resurface and evolve, echoing through time.