About this sheet
Napoleonic Cavalry Uniforms – Honor Guard, Dutch and Polish Lancers, 1859
This dramatic set of three hand-colored lithographs features mounted cavalrymen from the elite units of Napoleon’s army, highlighting the diverse regiments that formed the backbone of his Imperial Guard. Created by the celebrated illustrator Auguste Raffet and engraved by Charles Colin, these prints were issued in 1859 by the Paris publisher Furne Fils for the publication Napoléon Ier et la Garde Impériale, with text by Eugène Fieffé, a respected military historian and archivist.
The first plate, titled Garde d’Honneur, depicts a rider in elegant green and silver uniform, proudly seated on a powerful brown horse. His uniform, adorned with metallic braid, epaulettes, and plumed helmet, reflects the ceremonial splendor and aristocratic origins of the Honor Guard, formed in 1813 to reinforce the army with cavalry from the French nobility.
The second lithograph, Lancier Rouge, shows a striking Red Lancer, also known as a Dutch lancer from the 2nd Regiment of Chevau-Légers Lanciers. Dressed in a vivid red tunic and shako with a flowing white plume, this cavalryman brandishes a lance with tricolor pennon as he surveys a rugged battlefield. These lancers were famed for their discipline and battlefield agility, playing a critical role during Napoleon’s later campaigns.
The third plate features a Chevau-Léger Lancier Polonais, or Polish Light Horse Lancer, one of the most loyal and admired regiments in Napoleon’s army. Clad in a navy blue jacket with crimson trousers and a high czapka-style helmet, this lancer represents the courage and skill of Polish troops who had a special place in the Emperor’s esteem.
Auguste Raffet, born in 1804 and trained under Gros, became one of the foremost visual historians of the Napoleonic era. His illustrations, deeply rooted in historical research and rendered with great artistic finesse, are prized for both their accuracy and expressive character.
Condition:
Good condition overall. Minor age-toning and a few small foxing spots in the margins. Image areas remain bright with excellent hand coloring. Strong plate impressions and no visible tears or creases.
Framing tips:
These prints display beautifully as a matching set. Use cream or ivory mounts to highlight the uniform colors, and consider classic dark wood or gilded frames for a period look. Suitable wall colors include deep green, navy, or neutral tones to emphasize the military and historic theme.
