Grenadier Of The Légion Du Nord, 1818 – Military Caricature

Grenadier of the Légion du Nord, 1818 – military caricature

Period early 19th century
Technique pencil, watercolour and ink highlights on paper
Dimensions sheet 31 × 23 cm – with passepartout 50 × 32 cm
Mount antique light blue passepartout (not coeval)
Signature undeciphered, lower right
Handwritten inscription Légion du Nord – Grenadier 1818

Military caricature depicting a grenadier in full dress uniform, dated 1818. The uniform is intentionally exaggerated: tall bearskin cap, prominent epaulette, elongated legs and stiff posture. The composition echoes the visual satire typical of the French Restoration period. In the background, a second figure lightly sketched in pencil balances the scene and reinforces its narrative effect.

The drawing combines a delicate line with restrained touches of watercolour, in keeping with the humorous and documentary graphic tradition of the early 19th century.

Condition some foxing and age stains, a visible halo on the left side, minor wear to the passepartout. Sheet untrimmed and stable.