Military & Political · 18th century
€ 495
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good condition. General age-related toning. Minor creasing and handling wear. Plate mark visible. The image remains clear, with well-preserved engraved detail and hand coloring.
Entry of French Troops into Turin 1798 – Napoleonic Era Engraving, 1808
A finely detailed hand-colored engraving depicting the Entry of French Troops into Turin, dated 20 Frimaire, Year VII (December 1798), during the early phase of French Revolutionary expansion into northern Italy under Napoleon Bonaparte.
This elegant panoramic composition captures the orderly advance of French forces as they enter the city of Turin. In the foreground, cavalry and infantry descend toward the plains, while officers on horseback oversee the movement of troops. The scene unfolds across a wide landscape, with the city stretching along the horizon, framed by distant hills and a dramatic sky filled with layered clouds.
Unlike the more chaotic battle scenes of the Napoleonic campaigns, this engraving presents a moment of controlled military presence and transition of power. The composition emphasizes discipline, structure, and the visual impact of an army in motion, offering a refined perspective on the expansion of French influence in Italy. The balance between landscape, architecture, and figures gives the print a calm yet authoritative atmosphere.
Published in Paris in the early 19th century, this engraving originates from the important work “Faits Mémorables de la Vie Militaire et Privée de Sa Majesté l’Empereur des Français et Roi d’Italie,” a publication intended to document and promote the achievements of Napoleon and the Grande Armée. The print reflects the propagandistic tone of the period, presenting the French advance as both inevitable and orderly.
The engraving is executed in fine line work and enhanced with original hand coloring, which adds subtle depth without overpowering the detail. The wide margins and clearly visible plate mark emphasize its authenticity as an original period impression, while the panoramic format makes it particularly attractive for interior display.
For collectors, this piece represents an important moment in the Italian campaigns of the Napoleonic era. For interior use, it offers a refined and balanced composition, ideal for display above a desk, console, or within a curated gallery wall of historical or architectural prints.
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:
Good condition. General age-related toning. 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, elegant presentation. For a lighter and more contemporary look, a slim black frame with generous matting creates a clean and balanced appearance.
Technique: Engraving with original hand coloring
Maker: French School, published Paris, early 19th century
