About this sheet
Battle of the Tagliamento 1797 – Napoleonic Wars River Crossing Scene
A finely executed hand-colored engraving depicting the Battle and Passage of the Tagliamento, dated 26 Ventôse, Year V (March 1797), during Napoleon Bonaparte’s early Italian campaign. This dynamic composition captures the dramatic river crossing of French forces as they engage opposing troops along the banks of the Tagliamento in northern Italy.
The scene unfolds across a broad and richly detailed landscape. In the foreground, cavalry officers and mounted troops gather along the riverbank, directing the advance, while soldiers on horseback and on foot ford the river under pressure. The water itself becomes a central visual element, filled with movement as troops cross amidst the chaos of battle. On both sides of the river, artillery smoke rises in thick plumes, marking the positions of opposing forces and adding depth and atmosphere to the composition.
Beyond the immediate action, the landscape opens into rolling hills and distant settlements, giving the scene a strong sense of scale and geography. A solitary tree at the right edge frames the composition, balancing the dense activity in the center with a more contemplative natural element. This combination of movement, structure, and setting makes the engraving particularly engaging both visually and historically.
Published in Paris in the early 19th century, this engraving originates from the work “Faits Mémorables de la Vie Militaire et Privée de Sa Majesté l’Empereur des Français et Roi d’Italie,” an important publication intended to document and promote the achievements of Napoleon and the Grande Armée. The crossing of the Tagliamento was a key moment in the Italian campaign, demonstrating the mobility and effectiveness of French forces in overcoming natural and military obstacles.
The engraving is executed in fine line work and enhanced with hand coloring, lending subtle depth while preserving the clarity of the composition. The wide margins and visible plate mark confirm its authenticity as an original period impression, while the panoramic format makes it especially suitable for display.
For collectors, this piece represents a significant episode in Napoleon’s rise to power during the Italian campaigns. For interior use, it offers a balanced composition combining landscape, military action, and atmosphere, ideal for display in a study, office, or as part of a curated wall of historical engravings.
Special note: This is an original early 19th century engraving, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The engraving is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Condition report:
In fair to good condition, with small tears outside the platemark. General age-related toning and areas of staining in the margins. Minor creasing and handling wear. Plate mark visible. The image remains clear, with well-preserved engraved detail and hand coloring.
Framing tips:
This piece benefits from a wide museum-style mat in warm ivory or off-white to highlight the margins and soften the aged paper tone. A dark walnut or ebonized frame enhances contrast and provides a classic, refined presentation. For a more contemporary interior, a slim black frame with generous matting creates a clean and balanced look.
Technique: Engraving with original hand coloring
Maker: French School, published Paris, early 19th century
