Military & Political · 19th century
€ 449
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Overall good antique condition with age-related toning and paper discoloration visible, particularly in the margins. Minor spotting and handling wear consistent with age. Strong paper.
Napoleon Reviewing the Fédérés, Paris Tuileries Scene, French Engraving, 1815
A finely composed historical engraving depicting Napoleon Bonaparte reviewing the fédérés of the Paris faubourgs, titled “S. M. l’Empereur passant en revue les Fédérés des Faubourgs de Paris.” The scene captures a highly charged political and symbolic moment, most likely connected to the Hundred Days period of 1815, when Napoleon returned from exile and sought to rally popular and military support in Paris. The composition places the Emperor prominently on horseback, surrounded by uniformed soldiers, drummers, and enthusiastic civilians, illustrating the powerful interplay between military authority and revolutionary-era popular energy.
Set against the recognizable architecture of the Tuileries Palace, the engraving combines documentary ambition with theatrical visual storytelling. The artist Nicolas Colibert presents a vivid cross-section of Parisian society — national guardsmen, volunteers from the Faubourg Saint-Antoine and Saint-Marceau, and urban spectators — emphasizing Napoleon’s relationship with the people and the mythic aura cultivated around his leadership. The use of carefully balanced perspective, rhythmic arrangement of figures, and expressive gestures reflects the refined narrative style typical of French historical printmaking at the turn of the nineteenth century.
The engraved inscription below the image includes a proclamation attributed to Napoleon, reinforcing the print’s propagandistic and commemorative function. Such prints were circulated both as historical records and as political imagery, appealing to collectors interested in Napoleonic iconography, French Revolutionary history, and early nineteenth-century European visual culture.
Decoratively, the engraving offers strong visual appeal: dynamic figure groupings, period uniforms, architectural backdrop, and subtle hand-coloring (if present) create an engaging scene suitable for both historical collectors and interior designers seeking dramatic narrative imagery. The wide horizontal format lends itself well to gallery walls, studies, libraries, or sophisticated contemporary interiors, especially when framed with museum-style presentation.
This is an original print from the year of publication, not a later reproduction. The print is offered unframed, enabling custom framing to personal or interior preferences. Any framed images shown are for visual inspiration only.
Condition report: Overall good antique condition with age-related toning and paper discoloration visible, particularly in the margins. Minor spotting and handling wear consistent with age. Edges show light wear; any folds or production-related creases should be noted but do not significantly affect the central image. Plate mark visible.
Framing tips: This engraving benefits from a dark walnut or ebonized frame with a generous ivory or warm off-white mat to highlight the tonal range and historical atmosphere. A museum glass option enhances clarity while protecting the paper. The horizontal format suits above-desk or library-wall placement.
Technique: Engraving (hand-colored)
Maker: Nicolas Colibert, France, early 19th century
