The artist has portrayed Garibaldi as holding on to the base of the boot, so that the King of Sardinia-Piedmont can enter it from the top (English caricature of 1859 - Garibaldi helping King Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia-Piedmont to pull on the boot named ‘Italy’.). Look at the map of Italy once more. What statement is this caricature making?
This caricature effectively illustrates the Italian unification process. Garibaldi, holding the 'Italy' boot, symbolizes his vital role as the popular revolutionary leader who actively paved the way for unification by conquering southern regions. He prepared the nation for consolidation. King Victor Emmanuel II, poised to step into the boot, represents the monarchy that would formally establish unified Italy under its rule. The artwork explicitly states that while the Sardinian King provided the legitimate authority for a united nation, it was Garibaldi's populist efforts and military campaigns that truly initiated and enabled this monumental achievement, highlighting the crucial dynamic between revolutionary action and established power in nation-building.