The departure of the soldiers, in July 1870 1879

"The Departure of the Soldiers, in July 1870" by Alfred Dehodencq depicts a poignant scene of civilians bidding farewell to French soldiers departing for the Franco-Prussian War. Painted in 1879, the artwork captures the emotional tension and uncertainty of the time. The artist, known for his realistic portrayal of historical events, uses a dynamic composition to show the crowds gathered on a Parisian street, their expressions ranging from solemn farewells to anxious worry. This painting, now housed in the Carnavalet Museum in Paris, offers a powerful glimpse into the collective sentiment of a nation on the brink of war.