Assault of bastion no.8, from Souvenirs d’Italie: Expédition de Rome c. 1860

François Hippolyte Lalaisse created this print titled, "Assault of bastion no.8, from Souvenirs d’Italie: Expédition de Rome" using etching and engraving techniques. The meticulous process of etching and engraving demands careful labor, resulting in detailed depictions of the subject matter. The work shows the assault on Rome in 1849. The artist's approach captures the intensity of the conflict through the careful layering of lines and textures, which is achieved with painstaking work. Prints like these were often made for mass consumption, allowing the public to engage with historical events. This print served as both a document and a commodity, reflecting the rise of popular media and the commodification of history. It offers insight into the intersection of artistic production, historical representation, and the socio-political context of 19th-century Europe. By considering these elements, we gain a deeper appreciation of its cultural significance.