Fransche artillerie / Artillerie Française 1828 - 1913

This print titled "Fransche artillerie / Artillerie Française", was created by Erve Wismuller. In this print, we observe two distinct scenes, each meticulously rendered with attention to form and structure. The upper scene features artillerymen in action, their figures sharply delineated against a muted background. The composition is divided into color-coded segments in a schematic presentation of French artillery units. The palette, though limited, strategically employs hues to distinguish elements and enhance spatial perception. Below, the lower scene shows horsemen and a carriage, echoing the thematic focus on military transport, which is depicted with linear precision. The arrangement of elements within the frame, in terms of the structuralist approach to visual narrative, suggests a clear delineation of roles and actions. This formal clarity, combined with symbolic elements such as the cannon and uniforms, contributes to its didactic function. Despite the simplicity of line and color, it communicates a sense of order and efficiency. The use of semiotics, with its careful attention to signs and their arrangements, invites us to consider the underlying ideologies of military prowess and national identity.