Items Similar to Napoleonic Military Musicians – Sapper, Horn Player, and Drum Major, 1859
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
Napoleonic Military Musicians – Sapper, Horn Player, and Drum Major, 1859
About the Item
Napoleonic Military Musicians – Sapper, Horn Player, and Drum Major, 1859
This distinctive set of two hand-colored lithographs portrays the ceremonial and musical figures of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard, offering a glimpse into the vibrant pageantry that accompanied the military discipline of the era. The prints were created by Auguste Raffet and engraved by Charles Colin for the 1859 Paris publication Napoléon Ier et la Garde Impériale, issued by Furne Fils and accompanied by historical text by Eugène Fieffé.
In the first plate, two richly uniformed figures are shown: a Musicien des Grenadiers à Pied holding a French horn, and a Sapeur, or pioneer soldier, with a commanding presence and a large beard. The sapper wears a white apron and carries a ceremonial axe over his shoulder, reflecting his traditional role in clearing obstacles during campaigns and parades. His tall bearskin hat and red epaulettes indicate his elite status, while the musician wears a bright blue jacket with ornate gold embroidery and a bicorn hat adorned with a plume.
The second lithograph depicts a proud Tambour Major des Grenadiers à Pied, or Drum Major of the Foot Grenadiers. Standing confidently with a baton in hand, he wears a lavishly decorated uniform featuring gold trim, a feathered bicorn hat, and a white sash. Behind him, rows of drummers and guardsmen fade into the background, underscoring the martial precision of this elite regiment’s musical corps. The drum major was responsible not only for leading military bands but also for maintaining parade discipline and timing during marches and ceremonies.
Auguste Raffet, one of the foremost military illustrators of the 19th century, was praised for his accuracy, dynamic composition, and expressive detail. His works provide both aesthetic value and a faithful historical record of the soldiers and roles that defined the Napoleonic era.
Condition
Good overall. Clean impressions with some light age-related foxing in the margins. Colors are well-preserved and finely detailed.
Framing tips
Ideal for display as a pair. Use a cream or pale grey mat and gold or black wooden frames to emphasize the regal and ceremonial nature of the uniforms. These prints are well suited to a hallway, office, or music room with classical or historical decor.
- Dimensions:Height: 12.41 in (31.5 cm)Width: 9.45 in (24 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1859
- Condition:Good overall. Clean impressions with some light age-related foxing in the margins. Colors are well-preserved and finely detailed.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-14057-16, -171stDibs: LU3054345321352
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,462 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllNapoleonic Infantry Soldiers – Sapper, Cannoneer, Voltigeur, Fusilier, 1859
Located in Langweer, NL
Napoleonic Infantry Soldiers – Sapper, Cannoneer, Voltigeur, Fusilier, 1859
This detailed set of three hand-colored lithographs presents foot soldiers of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard, ...
Category
Antique 1850s Prints
Materials
Paper
Napoleonic Military Uniforms – French Cavalry, Artillery, and Veteran, 1859
Located in Langweer, NL
Napoleonic Military Uniforms – French Cavalry, Artillery, and Veteran, 1859
This finely composed set of three hand-colored lithographs presents uniformed figures from Napoleon’s Imp...
Category
Antique 1850s Prints
Materials
Paper
Napoleonic Guard Soldiers – Grenadier, Marine, and Standard Bearer, 1859
Located in Langweer, NL
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’...
Category
Antique 1850s Prints
Materials
Paper
Napoleonic Battle Cavalry – Mameluke, Chasseur, and Empress Dragoon, 1859
Located in Langweer, NL
Napoleonic Battle Cavalry – Mameluke, Chasseur, and Empress Dragoon, 1859
This compelling set of three hand-colored lithographs captures elite cavalry units of Napoleon’s Imperial G...
Category
Antique 1850s Prints
Materials
Paper
Napoleonic Foot Grenadiers – Chasseur, Grenadier, and Flag Bearer, 1859
Located in Langweer, NL
Napoleonic Foot Grenadiers – Chasseur, Grenadier, and Flag Bearer, 1859
This striking pair of hand-colored lithographs portrays elite infantrymen of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard in the...
Category
Antique 1850s Prints
Materials
Paper
Napoleonic Cavalry Uniforms – Honor Guard, Dutch and Polish Lancers, 1859
Located in Langweer, NL
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 Nap...
Category
Antique 1850s Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
Mandalin Player Framed Print
Located in Countryside, IL
Mandalin player framed print
This print measures: 18 wide x 2 deep x 19 inches high
This print is in Great Vintage Condition with minor marks, dents...
Category
2010s American Modern Prints
Materials
Wood, Paper
Billingsgate by James Abbott McNeill Whistler, 1859
By James Abbott McNeill Whistler
Located in Kenilworth, IL
This ink etching depicts a busy dock scene from the perspective of someone in the stern of a boat. There are several figures in the bow of this boat who are wearing hats; three are s...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century British Prints
Materials
Paper
Snaffles WW1 Military Lithograph, 'le 75' Military Print.
By Charles "Snaffles" Johnson Payne
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage Snaffles WWI Military Print, Le 75.
A good Snaffles WWI military print 'Le 75', the main center colour-piece hand coloured lithograph is mounted onto the printed remarque boa...
Category
Early 20th Century English Sporting Art Prints
Materials
Paper
Bibi Valentin by James Abbott McNeill Whistler, 1859
By James Abbott McNeill Whistler
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Etching and drypoint artwork titled “Bibi Valentin." A young girl sits facing the viewer, leaning on her left elbow, and her legs extended to left. She wears a high-necked smock and ...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
Musicians' Lithograph Print by Camille Hilaire
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A framed lithograph print, signed on the bottom right corner.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Prints
Materials
Paper
Early 19th Century French Napoleonic Urban Battle Engraving
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Early 19th Century French Napoleonic Urban Battle Engraving. Gorgeous engraving with a gilded period frame. See detailed photos attached. Contact us for more information.
Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Prints
Materials
Paper
