- Title: The Carnival In Rome: Horse-Racing on the Corso | Prince Arthur In Rome: A March with The Bersaglieri
- Author: The Illustrated London News
- Date: March 15, 1873
- Condition: Excellent
- Inches: 9 1/2 x 13 3/4 [Image]
- Centimeters: 24.13 x 34.92 [Image]
- Product ID: 308421
This illustration provides a fascinating glimpse into the public life and festivities of Rome in the late 19th century, blending royal ceremony with the exuberance of popular tradition.
Top Illustration: The Carnival in Rome – Horse-Racing on the Corso
The upper engraving depicts the lively spectacle of the Roman Carnival, specifically the famous horse race along the Corso, a principal street in Rome. The scene is bustling with energy: riderless horses gallop at full speed down the crowded thoroughfare, while throngs of spectators line the street, filling stairways and balconies. The architecture in the background, including a church with a tall steeple and an ancient obelisk, situates the event firmly in the heart of historic Rome. The crowd’s animated gestures and the dynamic movement of the horses convey the excitement and chaos typical of this traditional festival.
Bottom Illustration: Prince Arthur in Rome – A March with the Bersaglieri
The lower engraving illustrates a formal procession featuring Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, during his visit to Rome. He is seen marching alongside the Bersaglieri, the elite Italian infantry known for their distinctive plumed hats and brisk marching pace. The soldiers, depicted in uniform and carrying rifles, move in disciplined formation through a stone-arched courtyard, observed by onlookers in period attire. The scene captures both the ceremonial aspect of the royal visit and the pride of the Italian military.
Background on Creator
The Illustrated London News, founded by Herbert Ingram and first published on May 14, 1842, was the world's first illustrated weekly news magazine. Renowned for its pioneering use of wood engravings, and later photography, the publication revolutionized journalism by bringing vivid visual reporting of news, culture, and global events to a broad audience. Its content ranged from coverage of wars, royal ceremonies, and disasters to features on science, the arts, and society, often accompanied by dramatic illustrations created by prominent artists of the day. The magazine reached peak weekly circulations of over 300,000 copies in the 1860s, reflecting its immense popularity. Over time, it adapted to changing media landscapes, shifting to monthly publication in 1971 and eventually ceasing publication in 2003, though its legacy continues through its archives and influence on illustrated journalism.