Military & Political · 19th century
€ 230
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good condition. Light overall age toning with scattered minor foxing, mostly in the margins. Hand colouring remains fresh and clear. No major tears or losses. Margins intact.
Train of Artillery and Foot Artillery, Napoleonic Military Print 1809
This finely hand-coloured 19th-century engraving depicts two soldiers of Napoleon Bonaparte’s artillery arm: a member of the Train d’Artillerie and a Foot Artilleryman, shown in conversation in a field setting. The scene highlights the practical cooperation between artillery crews and the logistical train units responsible for transporting guns, ammunition, and supplies—an essential element in the effectiveness of Napoleon’s armies. The uniforms are rendered with great precision, showing the contrasting dress and equipment of these complementary branches of service.
The figure on the left represents the Train d’Artillerie, wearing a practical uniform suited to transport and support duties, while the figure on the right illustrates a Foot Artillery soldier equipped for battlefield service, complete with backpack and weapon. In the background, cannons, horses, and additional troops reinforce the operational context and underline the central role of artillery in Napoleonic warfare. The composition combines documentary accuracy with a calm, narrative quality typical of high-quality military illustration of the period.
This print comes 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 leading French military artist of the 19th century and was renowned for his detailed knowledge of uniforms and equipment, as well as his ability to humanize soldiers through informal yet historically accurate scenes. Although produced several decades after the campaigns depicted, these engravings reflect careful research and strong contemporary interest in the Napoleonic era.
An appealing and informative work for collectors of Napoleonic history, artillery subjects, and French military prints, this engraving also pairs well with other plates from the same series depicting Imperial Guard and line troops.
Condition report:
Good condition. Light overall age toning with scattered minor foxing, mostly in the margins. Hand colouring remains fresh and clear. No major tears or losses. Margins intact.
Framing tips:
A walnut or ebonized frame with a light cream or pale grey mat will complement the subdued greens and blues of the uniforms. Particularly effective when displayed alongside other Napoleonic artillery or service-branch prints.
Technique: Hand-coloured engraving
Maker: After Horace Vernet, France, Paris, 1843
