Steel engraving is a graphic technique belonging to intaglio printing - also the name of an engraving made with this technique. It involves making an engraving with an engraving die on a steel plate. It requires a high degree of precision from the engraver, as retouches and corrections are almost impossible due to the hardness of the material. After the engraving is completed, the plate is additionally hardened.
The intaglio presented at auction depicts the Battle of Somosierra, one of the most important battles of the Napoleonic era for the Poles.
The Battle of Somosierra is an eight- to ten-minute charge by the third squadron of the 1st Cavalry Regiment of the Imperial Guard, carried out on November 30, 1808 in the morning (around 10:30 a.m.) on the Somosierra Pass in Spain at an altitude of 1,444 meters above sea level, at a 200-meter altitude difference. It ended with the capture of the gorge by Polish cavalrymen and the success of Napoleon's army. The battle opened the road to Madrid for Napoleon and allowed him to continue the Spanish campaign.
Steel engraving framed in decorative light green passe-partout cardboard.
Very good condition.
Dimensions: 210 x 300 mm (framed), 155 x 210 mm (unframed).
