Military & Political · 19th century
€ 370
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good. Minor foxing or soiling. Small remain of tape in the top, outside the image. Hand-colored lithograph highlighted with Arabic gum. Study the images carefully.
This hand-colored lithograph from the 19th century depicts an officer from the King's German Legion, specifically the "2nd Cavalry Regiment," also known as the Queen's Hussars ("Königin Husaren"). The officer is portrayed seated confidently upon a grey horse, which is captured mid-step, exuding a sense of movement and poise.
The officer's uniform is elaborate and indicative of his status: a dark blue jacket with rich gold braiding (frogging), a high collar, and decorated cuffs. His chest bears a sash and medals, indicating a level of distinction or commendation. The red pelisse, a traditional Hussar garment, is worn over the left shoulder, adorned with fur and intricate patterns.
His headgear is a shako, a tall, cylindrical military hat, featuring a plume, decorative cords, and a badge or emblem at the front, signifying his regiment. He carries a saber at his side, a weapon that was both a tool of warfare and a symbol of rank among cavalry officers of the time.
The background is subtly rendered, providing a simple landscape that doesn't distract from the figure. Such prints were typically produced not only for their artistic merit but also as a documentation of military attire and as part of a larger collection illustrating the varied uniforms of military units of the period.
The phrase "bei J.G. Schrader in Hannover" suggests that this print was published or produced by J.G. Schrader in Hanover. J.G. Schrader could refer to the publisher, printer and bookseller active in Hanover during the time the print was made. Hanover (Hannover in German) is a city in Germany that has historically been a center of cultural and intellectual life, which included the production and distribution of prints and books.
Given the style of the uniform and the historical context, it is likely that this print is from the 19th century, possibly related to the time of the Napoleonic Wars when the King's German Legion was active. Prints like these were commonly used for educational purposes, to document military uniforms, or to celebrate military achievements.
It is possible that this print is associated with Johann Heinrich Ramberg. Ramberg was a well-known artist from Hanover, Germany, active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was particularly renowned for his illustrations and was commissioned to create a variety of works, including those that depicted military subjects.
More research is needed.
If Ramberg was indeed the artist, this print would likely have been part of a series of military illustrations, possibly commissioned by the state or for a military publication. Ramberg's style was quite detailed and expressive, fitting the characteristics of the print.
To confirm if this print was indeed made by Johann Heinrich Ramberg, more research is needed and one would typically reference a catalog raisonné of Ramberg's works, consult an art historian with expertise in Ramberg's oeuvre, or examine the print for any signatures or hallmarks of Ramberg's style. Unfortunately, I cannot confirm the artist's identity with certainty. However, given the time period and location, Ramberg is a plausible candidate for the creator of this print.
