11th dragoons advance guard, from Souvenirs d’Italie: Expédition de Rome 1854

Auguste Raffet made this print, '11th dragoons advance guard, from Souvenirs d’Italie: Expédition de Rome', sometime in the mid-19th century. It depicts French soldiers on horseback during the French expedition to Rome in 1849. The image creates meaning through its emphasis on military power and French nationalism. The print was created during a period of intense political upheaval in Europe. France, under the leadership of Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, intervened in Rome to restore Pope Pius IX to power after he had been overthrown by Italian nationalists. Raffet's print can be seen as a piece of propaganda, glorifying the French military and justifying their intervention in Italy. The image also speaks to the complex relationship between France and the Catholic Church. To fully understand this print, we can consult a range of sources, including military records, political pamphlets, and personal letters. By situating the artwork within its social and institutional context, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.