Imperial Guard Tirailleur and Voltigeur, 1843, Paper

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Imperial Guard Tirailleur and Voltigeur, Napoleonic Military Print, c1843 This hand-coloured 19th-century engraving depicts a Tirailleur and a Voltigeur of … Read more Imperial Guard Tirailleur and Voltigeur, Napoleonic Military Print, c1843 This hand-coloured 19th-century engraving depicts a Tirailleur and a Voltigeur of Napoleon Bonaparte’s Imperial Guard, shown standing side by side in full service uniform. The composition presents two elite light infantrymen, distinguished by their tall shakos with plumes, muskets with fixed bayonets, and carefully rendered campaign equipment. These troops formed an essential component of the Imperial Guard, selected for agility, discipline, and battlefield initiative, and were often deployed in skirmishing and forward positions ahead of the main line. The artist places strong emphasis on uniform detail, showing the contrasting roles within the Guard’s light infantry. The Tirailleur, trained for dispersed fighting and precision fire, is paired with the Voltigeur, whose role included rapid movement, reconnaissance, and flexible battlefield engagement. The precise rendering of cross-belts, cartridge boxes, rolled packs, and plumes reflects the mid-19th-century fascination with Napoleonic military accuracy and visual order. This print originates from *Histoire de l’Empereur Napoléon* by P.-M. Laurent de l’Ardèche, published in Paris in 1843. The illustration is after Horace Vernet, the most influential French military artist of his time and a leading authority on Napoleonic iconography. Vernet’s work shaped the visual memory of the Empire, combining documentary clarity with a restrained sense of movement and realism. The series was produced during the Bourbon and July Monarchy period, when renewed interest in Napoleon led to richly illustrated historical publications aimed at collectors, veterans, and admirers of the Empire. Today, this engraving is especially attractive to collectors of Napoleonic militaria, French military history, and uniform studies. It works well as a standalone display or as part of a larger group of Imperial Guard prints from the same 1843 series. Condition report: Good condition. Light age toning and minor scattered foxing, mainly in the margins. The hand colouring remains fresh and well balanced. No major tears or losses. Full margins preserved. Framing tips: A dark wood or ebonized frame with an off-white or light cream mat will enhance the contrast of the uniforms and emphasize the vertical elegance of the figures. Particularly effective when framed alongside other Imperial Guard subjects from the same publication. Technique: Hand-coloured engraving Maker: After Horace Vernet, France, Paris, 1843 See less