Battery no.9, from Souvenirs d’Italie: Expédition de Rome 1859

"Battery no. 9" is a lithograph by Auguste Raffet, created in 1859. The print depicts a scene from the Second Italian War of Independence, showing French soldiers operating a cannon during the Battle of Solferino. Raffet, known for his detailed illustrations of military life, captures the intensity of the moment with stark contrasts of light and shadow and meticulous detail. The artwork provides a glimpse into the reality of warfare in the mid-19th century, highlighting both the heroism and the brutality of combat. It is housed in the Art Institute of Chicago.