This is a dance scene from the early years of the 1st Empire. The figure on the left in red trousers is a trooper in the 7th Hussars; the central figure perhaps represents a corporal of Chasseurs of the Imperial Guard in undress uniform; the figure on the right in a grey overcoat possibly represents a member of the Garde Nationale.
The central figure is wearing the Legion d'Honneur, minus its red ribbon. The interesting feature of the soldiers' headdress is the depiction of tent caps ('bonnet de police'), which were worn in undress in both British and French armies of the period, but are rarely seen depicted in contemporary artwork.
This painting (oil on canvas, 23.7 x 29.5 cm inside frame) would appear to be by an anonymous, possibly provincial artist, but has tremendous charm and impact as a historical document of period costume, both military and civil.
The painting has been relined and placed on modern stretchers. The frame is a modern one, but a fair imitation of a contemporary example in gilt gesso on wood. I have examined the paintwork carefully with a UV lamp and there is little, if any, evidence of retouching, except perhaps in the centre where the female dancing figure has some fluorescence.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Ephemera : Paintings : French : 19th Century]
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