Military & Political · 18th century
€ 290
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good condition overall. Light age toning and scattered foxing, primarily in the margins. Hand coloring remains fresh and well-preserved. No major tears or losses. Wide margins.
French Dromedary Regiment 1798, Napoleon Egypt Campaign Military Print
This striking hand-colored 19th-century engraving depicts a soldier of the French Dromedary Regiment during the Egyptian campaign of 1798, one of the most distinctive and exotic episodes of Napoleon Bonaparte’s military career. The figure is shown mounted on a camel, wearing the adapted French military uniform designed for service in the harsh desert climate, combining European military discipline with local practicality.
The Régiment des Dromadaires was formed by Napoleon during the Egyptian expedition to provide rapid mobility across desert terrain. Their unique appearance and function made them one of the most fascinating specialist units of the Napoleonic army. This image captures that hybrid identity perfectly: a European soldier equipped with sabre and uniform, yet mounted on a camel and set within a sparse desert landscape.
The print originates from Histoire de l’Empereur Napoléon by P.-M. Laurent de l’Ardèche, published in Paris in 1843, and is after a design by Horace Vernet. Vernet was the foremost French military artist of the 19th century and closely associated with Napoleonic imagery. His work is known for its historical accuracy, dramatic clarity, and enduring influence on how Napoleon’s campaigns were visually remembered.
Although produced decades after the events depicted, the engraving reflects the 19th-century revival of interest in Napoleon and his campaigns, especially the Egyptian expedition, which combined military ambition with scientific and cultural exploration. This print is highly appealing to collectors of Napoleonic history, military costume, French colonial history, and to interior designers seeking rare and characterful historical imagery.
Condition report:
Good condition overall. Light age toning and scattered foxing, primarily in the margins. Hand coloring remains fresh and well-preserved. No major tears or losses. Wide margins.
Framing tips:
A dark wood or ebonized frame with a soft cream or sand-colored mat will complement the desert tones and enhance the vivid uniform details. Particularly effective when framed as part of a Napoleonic military series.
Technique: Hand-colored engraving
Maker: After Horace Vernet, France, Paris, 1843
