Uitval van artillerie 1865

Léopold Flameng made this print of an artillery charge at an unknown date. What do we make of a scene from war represented through the medium of reproductive printmaking? We need to consider the public role of imagery in nineteenth century France, particularly given France's then recent military history. It is tempting to interpret this as an exercise in glorifying war, particularly given the charge taking place in the foreground. However, the image does not convey any specifics about the artillerymen. Their faces are hard to discern, making it difficult to align them with any particular political cause. To properly understand this artwork, it would be necessary to consult a wide range of sources on the social and institutional history of nineteenth-century printmaking. Only then could we speculate on the ways it may have bolstered or challenged existing social norms. The meaning of art is always contingent on social and institutional context.