The Sicilian Vespers (Version III) 1846

"The Sicilian Vespers (Version III)" by Francesco Hayez, painted in 1846, depicts the 1282 massacre of French soldiers by Sicilians. This Romantic-era painting, located in Rome's Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, showcases Hayez's mastery in historical narratives. The dramatic scene unfolds amidst a crowd, capturing the violence and fear of the event, while also emphasizing the spirit of Sicilian resistance against French oppression. The painting's emotional impact and historical relevance have made it an iconic piece of Italian art.