Sortie of the Roman garrison..., from Souvenirs d’Italie: Expédition de Rome 1854

This lithograph, created by Auguste Raffet in 1854, captures the chaotic scene of a Roman garrison's sortie during the 1849 Roman Republic. The detail of the soldiers' actions, the smoke and dust of battle, and the stark contrast of light and shadow, bring to life the intensity of the conflict. Raffet, a renowned military artist, skillfully conveyed the drama of the scene, showcasing his talent for capturing the dynamic energy of war. The lithographic print, a popular medium in the 19th century, allowed for the wide dissemination of images, making it accessible to a broad audience. This artwork, now part of The Art Institute of Chicago's collection, offers a glimpse into the history of 19th century military campaigns.