Raymond Desvarreux-Larpenteur -Napoleon on Horseback Accompanied by His Officers-Oil Painting

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Raymond Desvarreux-Larpenteur -Napoleon on Horseback accompanied by his officers-Oil painting
French Impressionist - Oil Painting on canvas - signed
Canvas … Read more Raymond Desvarreux-Larpenteur -Napoleon on Horseback accompanied by his officers-Oil painting
French Impressionist - Oil Painting on canvas - signed
Canvas size: 15x18" Frame size 27x30x5"


Description :
This exquisite 15" x 18" oil on canvas is a masterclass in French military history painting. Executed by Raymond Desvarreux-Larpenteur, an official painter for the French Ministry of War and a member of the prestigious Société des Artistes Français, the work captures the silent, strategic gravity of the Napoleonic era with remarkable intimacy.
The Composition and Narrative
The painting centers on Napoleon Bonaparte, mounted upon his iconic white charger. Rendered with the "uniformological" precision for which the artist was renowned, the Emperor is depicted in his signature grey overcoat and bicorne hat, his posture one of calm, resolute command.
Behind him, his État-Major (Staff) follows in a rhythmic, receding line. The deep indigo of their uniforms, accented by the scarlet of their sashes and the glint of gold galloon, provides a vibrant contrast to the muted, autumnal landscape. The brushwork here is sophisticated; while the figures and equine anatomy are handled with academic rigor, the surrounding woods are rendered with a soft, impressionistic touch that suggests a damp, misty morning on campaign.
The Frame: A Gilded Masterpiece
The artwork is presented in a monumental 27x30" Louis XV style "swept" frame. This handcrafted frame is a sculptural feat in itself, featuring:
Acanthus and C-Scroll Motifs: Deeply carved, interlocking foliage that draws the eye toward the center of the canvas.
Openwork Corners: "Pierced" or "swept" corners that create an airy, architectural lightness despite the frame's substantial profile.
Burnished Gold Leaf: The rich, tiered gilding catches the light, transforming this painting into a "jewel-box" centerpiece that demands attention even on a grand scale.
History and Provenance
As evidenced by the bold, hyphenated signature of the artist, this piece represents a bridge between the Belle Époque and the traditionalist schools of French military art. Desvarreux-Larpenteur, a student of the legendary Jean-Léon Gérôme, was celebrated for his ability to imbue historical scenes with a palpable sense of atmosphere and human emotion. This specific work, with its late-season palette and stoic figures, likely depicts a moment of reflection during the Campaign of France in 1814.

Artist Biography
Raymond Desvarreux-Larpenteur (French, 1876–1961)
Raymond Desvarreux-Larpenteur was a distinguished French painter renowned for his mastery of military subjects, particularly those of the Napoleonic era and the First World War. His work is characterized by a rare combination of rigorous historical accuracy and a sensitive, atmospheric landscape style.
Early Life and Artistic Education
Heritage: Born on June 26, 1876, in Pau, France, he was the son of the American landscape painter James Desvarreux-Larpenteur.
Academic Training: He studied in Paris under two of the era's most prestigious academic masters: Jean-Léon Gérôme and the famed military painter Jean-Baptiste Édouard Detaille. Under their guidance, he perfected the art of "uniformology"—the precise rendering of historical military dress and equipment.
Military Service and the Great War
Combat Experience: At the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Desvarreux was mobilized as a corporal in the 25th Territorial Infantry Regiment. He saw active combat in Northern France, including the battles at Cambrai and Bapaume.
Official War Artist: In February 1915, he was appointed an official Painter for the Ministry of War. During his missions to the front, he produced over 150 small, detailed paintings of soldiers, officers, and trench scenes. These works are now preserved in the permanent collection of the Musée de l’Armée in Paris.
Artistic Themes and Evolution
The Napoleonic Epic: While he painted hunting scenes and landscapes in his early career, his most celebrated works are large-scale compositions of the Revolutionary and Empire campaigns.
Waterloo Panorama: Between 1911 and 1912, he collaborated with Louis Dumoulin on the monumental Panorama of the Battle of Waterloo.
Post-War Transition: Following WWI, he briefly turned his focus entirely to landscapes and pastoral scenes, only returning to his beloved Napoleonic battle subjects after 1945.
Honors and Legacy
Desvarreux-Larpenteur was a highly decorated and respected figure in the French art world:
Awards: He won a Gold Medal (1st Class) at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1913 and was a Laureate of the Académie Française.
Distinctions: He was awarded the Legion of Honor by France and received decorations from four other nations for his contributions to military art.
Institutional Presence: Today, his works are held in major institutions, including the Imperial War Museum in London and the Musée de l’Armée. See less