Comment on 12.10.1799

The French and the Neapolitans were fighting intensely for control of Rome in 1798-99. On 10.2.1798, Rome was captured by the French under General Berthier (1753-1815), but the Republican French were driven away by the Royalist Neapolitans, and on 29.11.1798 King Ferdinand I of Naples entered Rome. However, in December 1798 the Neapolitans were again driven away by the French under General Championnet (1762-1800), but on 27.9.1799 the French had to surrender to the Neapolitans, who entered the city on 30.9.1799 shortly before Thorvaldsen wrote this letter.

Last updated 15.01.2015