After 1887, he also painted subjects reflecting the colonial war campaigns, completing studies of the "Soldato in divisa della campagna d'Africa" (1887, now in Museo di Palazzo Braschi, in Rome) and a painting depicting the "Battle of Dogali" (exhibited in 1890 in Rome). He also painted sacred subjects and decorations. He was named director of the Vatican School of Mosaics. Among the works of this type, are his mosaic altarpiece depicting the "Apparition of Christ to Santa Margherita Alacocque", in St Peter's Basilica.