Auguste Raffet, Study of Soldiers, Lithograph, 1857

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Lithograph on cream wove paper, signed and dated in the stone by August Raffet (“Raffet / Paris, 12 Oct. 1857”). … Read more Lithograph on cream wove paper, signed and dated in the stone by August Raffet (“Raffet / Paris, 12 Oct. 1857”). This work is a preparatory study showing French soldiers in detailed uniform, some fully rendered and others left as contour sketches, showcasing Raffet’s lively draughtsmanship. This study depicts a small group of French line infantrymen standing in conversation, their tall shakos crowned with plumes, muskets resting on their shoulders. Two soldiers are meticulously finished while the others are loosely sketched, suggesting a moment of informal observation on the parade ground. The piece captures Raffet’s distinctive balance of realism and spontaneity, a hallmark of his military works. Foxing and scattered age-related stains on margins; image area clean and strongly printed. The sheet is full and untrimmed, with wide margins, typical of early 19th-century presentation prints. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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