Marine Life · 19th century
€ 450
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good condition. Minor age spots in outer margins. Plate lines clean and coloring vibrant. No tears or creases.
Napoleonic Guard Soldiers – Grenadier, Marine, and Standard Bearer, 1859
This elegant set of three hand-colored lithographs showcases the diverse and ceremonial aspects of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard. These military figures are drawn from the highly respected 1859 publication Napoléon Ier et la Garde Impériale, published in Paris by Furne Fils with text by Eugène Fieffé and illustrations by the famed military artist Auguste Raffet. The engravings were executed by Charles Colin and remain a testament to the precision and pageantry of French military dress under the First Empire.
The first plate depicts a mounted Grenadier à Cheval holding the regiment’s standard. With impeccable posture and commanding presence, he sits atop a strong grey horse adorned with richly embroidered tack. The grenadier’s navy blue coat with red epaulettes, white trousers, bearskin cap, and gold-braided sash reflect his elite status. These mounted grenadiers formed one of the most prestigious heavy cavalry units of Napoleon’s guard.
The second scene, labeled Pupille et Grenadier, contrasts a youthful conscript of the military orphan corps with a veteran grenadier of the 3rd Regiment. The older soldier stands upright and stern while the boy looks upward, creating a moving image of continuity, discipline, and the institutional training of future Imperial soldiers. The details of their uniforms and gear provide an authentic glimpse into infantry life.
The final lithograph presents three Marines of the Imperial Guard in detailed navy uniforms with red plumes and ornate gold trim. Set against a coastal backdrop with lighthouse and shoreline, this plate highlights the maritime wing of the Imperial forces. These marins were elite seamen trained for both shipboard duty and land combat, bridging naval and ground forces.
Auguste Raffet (1804–1860), a pupil of Antoine-Jean Gros, was celebrated for his mastery of military subjects. His works combine accurate historical detail with narrative power, making them valuable to collectors and historians alike.
Condition
Good condition. Minor age spots in outer margins. Plate lines clean and coloring vibrant. No tears or creases.
Framing tips
Display together for a balanced historical set. Choose light neutral mounts and dark wooden or gold frames. Ideal background colors include navy, beige, or stone tones to enhance the uniforms’ formal contrasts and classic appeal. Suitable for a study, hall, or library.
