Napoleonic Horse Artillery, 1843, Paper

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Napoleonic Horse Artillery, French Empire Uniform Plate, Paris 1843 This finely hand-coloured military plate depicts a mounted artilleryman of the … Read more Napoleonic Horse Artillery, French Empire Uniform Plate, Paris 1843 This finely hand-coloured military plate depicts a mounted artilleryman of the French Empire, titled Artillerie à cheval, 1812, representing the elite horse artillery units that played a crucial role in Napoleon I’s mobile warfare. The figure is shown mounted on a powerful dark horse, wearing the distinctive blue uniform with red facings and gold detailing, sabre at his side and equipment carefully rendered, emphasizing both mobility and discipline. The dynamic pose and controlled movement of horse and rider reflect the tactical importance of horse artillery as a fast-moving support arm during the Napoleonic Wars. The print was issued in Paris in 1843 as part of Histoire de l’Empereur Napoléon, written by P.-M. Laurent de l’Ardèche and illustrated after designs by Horace Vernet and Hippolyte Bellangé, two of the most influential French military artists of the 19th century. Although depicting uniforms dated 1812, the plate belongs to the original 1843 publication and is not a later reproduction. The text is in French, and the reverse is blank, consistent with this edition. Horse artillery units were among the most prestigious formations of Napoleon’s army, valued for their speed, technical skill, and ability to deploy guns rapidly in battle. Prints from this series were intended both as historical documentation and as patriotic imagery, and they remain highly sought after by collectors of Napoleonic iconography, French military history, and 19th-century illustrated books. This plate stands out for its strong composition, refined hand colouring, and clear attribution to the celebrated Napoleonic visual tradition established by Vernet and Bellangé. It is particularly well suited for collectors interested in cavalry and artillery subjects, as well as for interior display in both classical and contemporary settings. Condition: Good antique condition. Light overall age toning to the paper, minor scattered foxing and small spots consistent with age. Margins ample. No text on the reverse. Plate mark faintly visible. Framing tips: This print frames beautifully with a classic dark wood or ebonized frame, paired with a warm off-white or light grey mat to emphasize the richness of the uniform colours. A slightly wider mat enhances its vertical format and gives the composition an elegant, museum-style presentation. Technique: Hand-coloured engraving Maker: After Hippolyte Bellangé, France, published Paris 1843 See less