Chasseur à Cheval, Napoleonic Light Cavalry, Hand-Colored Military Print, 1843

About this sheet

This finely hand-colored lithograph depicts a Chasseur à Cheval, the light cavalry arm of Napoleon Bonaparte’s army, shown in full marching equipment beside his horse. The plate is titled “Chasseur à cheval. 1812.” and represents the uniform and appearance of the regiment during the height of the Napoleonic Wars, specifically the period of the Russian campaign.

The print originates from *Histoire de l’Empereur Napoléon* by P.-M. Laurent de l’Ardèche, published in Paris in 1843, with illustrations after drawings by Hippolyte Bellangé, one of the most respected military artists of 19th-century France. Bellangé was renowned for his precise and authoritative renderings of Napoleonic uniforms, equipment, and soldierly posture, making his work highly sought after by collectors and historians alike.

The chasseur is shown wearing the characteristic dark green uniform with contrasting facings, tall shako, and sabre briquet, while the horse is fully saddled with campaign gear. The composition emphasizes both discipline and mobility, key attributes of the light cavalry, which was used for reconnaissance, skirmishing, and rapid battlefield maneuvers. The understated background keeps the focus on uniform detail and accoutrements, reinforcing the documentary nature of the image.

Printed with Latin text and blank on the reverse, this is an original mid-19th-century impression, not a later reproduction. Such plates were intended as historical records rather than purely decorative prints, and they remain an important visual source for Napoleonic military studies.

Condition report:
Good overall condition. Light age-related toning to the paper, with minor scattered foxing and faint handling marks, mostly in the margins. Image remains fresh and well-defined, with strong original hand coloring. No significant tears or losses observed. Plate mark not present, consistent with lithographic technique.

Framing tips:
This print presents beautifully in a classic military or library setting. A dark wood or ebonized frame with an off-white or light beige mat will complement the period character, while a green or charcoal-gray mat can subtly echo the uniform colors for a more dramatic presentation.

Technique: Hand-colored lithograph
Maker: After Hippolyte Bellangé, France, published Paris 1843