Lichaam van generaal Damrémont tijdens de belegering van Constantine, 12 oktober 1837 1838

This lithograph, showing the body of General Damrémont during the siege of Constantine, was made by Auguste Raffet, sometime in the mid-19th century. Lithography is a printmaking technique that uses a flat stone or metal plate. The artist draws an image on the surface with a greasy substance, then applies ink, which adheres only to the greasy areas. The print is then made by pressing paper against the inked surface. In this image, the lithographic process lends itself well to depicting the gritty reality of war. Raffet masterfully uses the medium to create a sense of depth and texture, from the smoky haze of battle to the rough terrain. The stark contrast between light and shadow heightens the drama, emphasizing the lifeless body of the general and the somber expressions of his fellow officers. The mass-producible nature of lithography allowed for the widespread dissemination of such images, shaping public perception of war and its consequences, even creating a market for them, and a new kind of visual culture. This print invites us to reflect on the relationship between artistic skill, mechanical reproduction, and the construction of historical narratives.