Watercolor By G. Verdey "life Of The French Cavalry, Summer 1914" 20th Century

Large watercolor depicting the daily life of French soldiers belonging to the cavalry. This scene can be dated thanks to the clothes worn by the men in this work. Indeed, the bright blue and red uniforms were quickly abandoned (autumn 1914), in favor of more sober and more easily concealed colors. This work highlights the use of animals during this world conflict. Indeed, horses played an important role at the beginning of the conflict. But this role is often forgotten. Horses were sent to the front during this conflict. In the summer of 1914, the French cavalry participated in the offensives, but it was very weak compared to the firearms used massively during this conflict. The cavalry had more reconnaissance and patrol missions. But its role became less and less important, because from the fall of 1914, it became difficult to advance and the men began to dig trenches. Here, the scene represents the daily life of this French cavalry during the First World War. These are probably officers sent on patrol in the French forests. They are preparing to leave their camp set up for the night. We see one officer washing himself, another getting dressed. Another is already mounted on his horse. In the background, in more neutral colors, other officers go about their business. Frame dimensions: H: 76cm W: 61cm