Military & Political · 19th century
€ 200
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Fair to good. Original hand coloring. Noticeable age toning and scattered foxing throughout the sheet, particularly in the margins. The image remains clear and visually strong.
Haiti Light Infantry, Types Militaires – Antique Caricature Lithograph by Draner c.1862
This hand-colored lithograph depicts a soldier of the Haitian Light Infantry in full dress uniform, shown as part of the French satirical series Types Militaires. The figure is presented standing confidently, holding a closed parasol and wearing a distinctive uniform with sash, headgear, and decorative elements, while secondary figures appear in the background engaged in military or camp activities.
The image belongs to a 19th-century tradition of military caricature, in which national and colonial troops were portrayed through exaggerated features and theatrical poses. Such prints were produced for a European audience and reflect contemporary attitudes toward foreign armies and colonial subjects. While visually striking and often humorous in intent, they are also historical documents that reveal the visual language and stereotypes of their time.
The lithograph was designed by Draner, the pseudonym of Jules Renard, a prolific French illustrator best known for his sharp military and political caricatures during the mid-19th century. The print was published by Daziaro and printed by Lemercier in Paris, one of the leading lithographic presses of the period.
Series such as Types Militaires were popular during the Second Empire, combining military subject matter with satire and vivid color. Today, individual plates are collected for their graphic strength, historical insight, and their place within the history of caricature and military illustration. This sheet is of particular interest in the context of Haitian and Caribbean military history, as well as 19th-century European representations of non-European soldiers.
Condition report: Fair to good. Original hand coloring. Noticeable age toning and scattered foxing throughout the sheet, particularly in the margins. The image remains clear and visually strong.
Framing suggestions: Best framed with a wide neutral or off-white mat to balance the strong coloration and to allow historical context without visual distraction. A simple dark or black frame works well.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph
Maker: Draner (Jules Renard), published by Daziaro, Paris, ca. 1862
