About this sheet
Austro-Hungarian Army Uniforms – Cavalry, Infantry, Artillery & Parade Dress, c.1890
Set of three antique hand-coloured lithograph prints illustrating the Austro-Hungarian Army in the late 19th century, featuring a diverse range of units in field service, ceremonial, and parade roles. The detailed artwork captures the distinctive uniforms, equipment, and activities of cavalry, infantry, artillery, and specialist troops, making this set a valuable reference for collectors, historians, and uniformologists.
The first plate focuses on active field service scenes, including a Gebirgsartillerie (mountain artillery) team with horse and pack equipment, Jäger infantry in skirmish formation, and cavalry care and feeding by the Trainstruppe. Also depicted is a mounted officer and a hussar in full dress, demonstrating the contrast between operational and ceremonial attire.
The second plate emphasizes command and artillery units. Figures include senior officers such as a Leibgarde-Infanterie-Kompanie Oberstleutnant, a general in parade dress, and a general-adjutant in gala attire. Mounted cavalry officers in richly detailed uniforms are shown alongside Feldartillerie in field gear, engaged in gun handling and operations.
The third plate showcases the splendour of the Austro-Hungarian ceremonial regiments, with a Trabantengarde guardsman, generals in gala uniform, and officers of prestigious cavalry regiments. Also included are Kaiserjäger in parade dress, Bosnian troops in field kit, and infantry engaged in camp activities. The combination of full-dress splendour and practical field uniforms highlights the diversity of the empire’s multi-ethnic military forces.
The lithographs feature vivid hand colouring and precise detailing, making them equally appealing as decorative art and as documentary records of late 19th-century Austro-Hungarian military attire.
Condition: Fair to good for age, with mild toning and edge wear due to age and handling. Colours remain fresh and well preserved.
Framing tips: Display together in a triple-aperture frame for an impressive wall presentation, or frame individually with dark wood or gilt mouldings and a neutral mat to emphasize the vivid period colours.
Technique: Hand-coloured lithograph
Maker: Unknown, Austria-Hungary, circa 1890