Napoleonic Carabinier 1805, Imperial Guard Heavy Cavalry Print, 1843
€ 253
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1805
Mapmaker / artist
After Horace Vernet, France, Paris, 1843
Technique
Hand-colored engraving
Sheet size
25.3 × 16 cm (10.0 × 6.3 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14174-1-10
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Good condition overall. Light age toning and scattered foxing, mainly in the margins. Hand coloring remains vivid and well-preserved. No major tears or losses. Generous margins.
About this sheet
Napoleonic Carabinier 1805, Imperial Guard Heavy Cavalry Print This original hand-colored 19th-century engraving depicts a Carabinier of the French heavy cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars, dated 1805, at the height of Napoleon Bonaparte’s imperial power. Shown standing beside his horse in full service uniform, the figure represents one of the most elite and physically imposing cavalry units of the Grande Armée. The tall bearskin headdress, red epaulettes, long sword, and carefully detailed equipment emphasize the prestige and battlefield authority of the Carabiniers.
The Carabiniers were renowned for their strength, discipline, and shock tactics, serving as heavy cavalry alongside the cuirassiers during Napoleon’s major campaigns, including Austerlitz. Unlike lighter cavalry units, they were intended to break enemy lines through sheer force and momentum, a role reflected in the solid stance of the soldier and the powerful build of the horse. The composition balances military precision with quiet authority, reinforcing the elite status of this corps within Napoleon’s army.
This print originates from Histoire de l’Empereur Napoléon by P.-M. Laurent de l’Ardèche, published in Paris in 1843, with illustrations after designs by Horace Vernet. Vernet was the foremost military artist of his time and played a decisive role in shaping the visual memory of the Napoleonic era. His depictions are valued for their accuracy in uniform details and their ability to convey both historical realism and imperial grandeur.
Created during the 19th-century revival of interest in Napoleon, this engraving combines documentary value with strong decorative appeal. It is particularly suitable for collectors of Napoleonic history, French military art, and equestrian imagery, and pairs well with other Imperial Guard or cavalry subjects from the same series.
Condition report: Good condition overall. Light age toning and scattered foxing, mainly in the margins. Hand coloring remains vivid and well-preserved. No major tears or losses. Generous margins.
Framing tips: A dark wood or black frame with a soft off-white mat will enhance the strong colors and formal character of the subject. Especially effective when displayed alongside other Napoleonic cavalry or Imperial Guard prints.
