Garde d'Honneur, 1843, Paper

Details

Description

Garde d’Honneur, Imperial Guard Soldier, Hand-Colored Military Print 1843 This finely hand-colored military print depicts a member of the Garde … Read more Garde d’Honneur, Imperial Guard Soldier, Hand-Colored Military Print 1843 This finely hand-colored military print depicts a member of the Garde d’Honneur, one of the elite auxiliary cavalry formations created during the final years of the Napoleonic Empire. Although the uniform shown relates to the campaigns of 1813–1814, this impression dates from 1843 and belongs to the important post-Napoleonic revival of interest in Imperial military history. Such later issues were produced with great care and accuracy, aimed at collectors, officers, and historians seeking authoritative visual records of Napoleonic uniforms. The Garde d’Honneur was composed largely of young men from wealthy families, equipped at their own expense, and intended to reinforce Napoleon’s depleted cavalry after the disastrous Russian campaign. The figure is shown dismounted, leading his horse across uneven terrain, a scene that emphasizes endurance and discipline rather than parade-ground display. His uniform is rendered with precision: the dark green coat with white crossbelts, red trousers, tall boots, and shako identify the corps clearly, while the detailed equipment and horse furniture reflect contemporary military regulations. The composition combines documentary accuracy with a subtle narrative quality. The distant landscape and architectural elements suggest campaign conditions, reinforcing the historical context of the late Empire. The hand-coloring is delicate and well-balanced, enhancing the contrasts between uniform, horse, and setting without overwhelming the fine engraved lines beneath. Prints from this 1843 series, after original designs by Hippolyte Bellangé, are especially sought after for their clarity, strong visual appeal, and historical reliability. They are prized by collectors of Napoleonic material, military costume historians, and interior designers seeking authentic 19th-century imagery with both decorative and scholarly value. Condition report: Good overall condition. Light age toning to the paper, mainly in the margins. Minor scattered spots consistent with age. Plate mark visible. No major tears or losses observed. Framing tips: This print frames beautifully with a neutral or slightly warm off-white mat and a dark wood or black frame. A narrow gold inner slip can enhance the military character without overpowering the image. Technique: Hand-colored engraving Maker: After Hippolyte Bellangé, France, published 1843 See less