Passage du Pô, devant Plaiçance (...)

About this artwork

inscription: ‘a paris chez Naudet [...] 1890 f’

Art Historical Context

"Passage du Pô, devant Plaiçance is a striking etching by Jean Dupless-Bertaux, a French engraver of the late 18th century known for his detailed illustrations of historical and military events. Created in 1799 and measuring 291mm by 388mm, this print captures a dramatic moment likely from Napoleon Bonaparte's Italian Campaign during the French Revolutionary Wars. title refers to the crossing of the Po River near Piacenza (an older spelling of Plaiçance), a pivotal in 1796 thatflanked Austrian forces and opened the door to French victories in northern Italy. Etching, Duplessis-Bertaux's favored medium, allowed for intricate lines and tonal depth, evoking the chaos of battle with precision. Published in Paris by Naudet (as noted in the inscription 'a paris chez Naudet [...] 1890 f,' possibly indicating a later edition or reference), the work reflects the era's fervor for commemorating revolutionary triumphs through affordable prints, making grand history accessible to the public. This piece stands as a testament to the intersection of art and propaganda, immortalizing a strategic feat that bolstered Napoleon's legend while showcasing the engraver's skill in conveying movement and scale on a modest plate. A window into the turbulent Napoleonic age!

About the Artist

Jean Duplessis-Bertaux · 1750–1818

Comment on works: Engraver; Painter; Military scenes; Historical scenes; prints with inscribed maker name "Duplessis Berthault" refer to Duplessis and his engraver Pierre-Gabriel Berthault, meaning both worked on the print as draftsman and engraver.