The Battle of Adowa, Last Rally of General Dabormida

What it is

This engraved illustration appeared in the British newspaper The Graphic on 11 April 1896. It was created from details supplied by survivors of the battle, depicting the fighting around Italian General Dabormida during the Battle of Adwa.

The scene shows soldiers in pith helmets firing rifles and fighting in close combat against warriors with shields and spears, amid smoke, a cannon, and fallen men.

Why it matters

The Battle of Adwa, led by Menelik II, was a major Ethiopian victory over an invading Italian force and a landmark in African resistance to European colonization. This British illustration, made from survivor accounts, shows how the battle was reported abroad and focuses on the Italian side's experience rather than the Ethiopian victory itself.

Look closer

• Whose perspective does this illustration emphasize, and whose is left out?
• Why might a British newspaper have relied on survivor accounts rather than direct observation?
• What does the choice to depict the Italian general's 'last rally' suggest about the intended audience?