Italian families gather on the steps of Santa Maria Maggiore, Bergamo, to greet men who are returning home after military service. Engraving by A. Danse, 1882, after Frank W.W. Topham, 1879.

"'Home after service,' by F.W.W. Topham, engraved by A. Danse. This picture was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1879. It attracted much attention, not only on account of its excellent colour and the effective grouping, but from the interest and pathos naturally associated with the subject. Italian soldiers, just home from a campaign, have timed their arrival at the entrance to a church so that they meet the emerging congregation. The groups tell their several stories with no uncertain utterance, and go to make up a picture which is full of interest and attractiveness."—The art journal, loc. cit.