Bugler Foot Hunter, 1870 (lithographed facsimile 1883), Illustration after Édouard Detaille (1848 - 1912), similar in Musée de Nuits-Saint-Georges. This illustration shows a bugler from the 20th Chasseurs Battalion. "Chasseur" a French term for "hunter" or "huntsman", is the designation given to certain regiments of French and Belgian light infantry (chasseurs à pied) or light cavalry (chasseurs à cheval) to denote troops trained for rapid action. He carries a shako, a rifle, a haversack and a bugle. In the background, the rest of the troop can be seen. The military bugler is a prestigious and respected position within the military. The bugler played a crucial role in communicating orders and signals to the troops, often in the midst of battle. They had to be able to carry out the orders of commanders regardless of the circumstances and conditions, since their signals were necessary to coordinate the movements of troops. Their clear and precise playing can mean the difference between victory and defeat. The military bugler must be highly skilled in playing the bugle, as well as knowledgeable about military protocols and procedures.  In addition to their musical abilities, the military bugler must also possess a strong sense of duty and dedication to their comrades and their country. They are still used in ceremonies and rituals to honor those who died in the service of their people. Overall, the military bugler is a symbol of honor, discipline, and courage. Their role was vital in maintaining order and cohesion in the army, and their skills and dedication were highly regarded by their fellow soldiers and officers. Antique facsimile color lithograph on paper, signed, framed.
Size app.: 36.7 x 28 cm (roughly 14.4 x 11 in), frame is 73.5 x 59 cm (roughly 28.9 x 23.2 in). Very good ready to hang condition, with wear mostly to frame. Please study good resolution images for cosmetic condition. In person actual painting may appear darker or brighter than in our pictures, strictly depending on sufficient light in your environment. NB: This work of art was photographed with glass over it what may led to glares and other inaccuracies. Glass will be removed prior to shipment for safe transit. Weight of app. 2 kg is going to measure 3 kg packed for shipment.
Édouard Detaille is a French academic painter who lived in Ville-d’Avray. He devoted himself to historical representations, with a predilection for military scenes. He painted in such a way as to make representations as realistic and precise as possible.
The "Chasseurs à pied" were the light infantrymen of the French Imperial army. They were armed the same as their counterparts in the regular line infantry (fusilier) battalions, but were trained to excel in marksmanship and in executing manoeuvres at high speed. After the Napoleonic Wars, the à pied continued to exist as a separate corps within the infantry. Initially they were specially trained elites, but eventually their tactical role became consistent with that of ordinary linards (line infantry). By the end of the 19th century, the differences between the two branches were reduced to uniforms and insignia, although the "Chasseurs" retained a strong "spirit" of the corps.