Battle of Oued-Alleg, December 31, 1839 - Denis-Auguste-Marie Raffet

A detailed lithograph by Denis-Auguste-Marie Raffet documenting the French military engagement at Oued-Alleg in 1839.

This lithograph by Denis-Auguste-Marie Raffet depicts the military engagement at Oued-Alleg, which occurred on 31 December 1839 during the French conquest of Algeria. Raffet, a draughtsman and lithographer, gained recognition for his detailed depictions of Napoleonic campaigns and contemporary military events. His work often focuses on the mechanics of troop movement and the atmospheric conditions of the battlefield.

The composition employs a wide, panoramic perspective to capture the scale of the French infantry columns as they advance across the terrain. The artist uses fine, precise lines to delineate the individual soldiers, their equipment, and the undulating topography of the Algerian landscape. The scene is structured to guide the viewer from the foreground, where the immediate effects of the conflict are visible, towards the distant hills where the opposing forces are positioned. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth, while the monochromatic palette emphasises the stark reality of the military operation.

Raffet was known for his technical proficiency in lithography, a medium that allowed for the mass production of images documenting historical events. This print serves as a record of the tactical formations employed by the French army during this period. The inclusion of descriptive text at the base of the image provides specific details regarding the units involved, such as the battalions of the 2nd Light Infantry and the Chasseurs. By focusing on the orderly progression of the troops, Raffet presents a controlled view of the combat, reflecting the period's interest in documenting colonial expansion through visual media. The work remains a primary source for those studying nineteenth-century military history and the development of reportage illustration.