Alphonse De Neuville (1835-1885), Soldier Of The National Guard

Graphite on paper
Signature stamped lower right
230 x 150 mm

This sketch depicts a soldier in a firing position, weapon in hand, his gaze focused, in an alert attitude. The artist's lively and free pencil stroke gives more dynamism to the character. The latter seems to be dressed in the uniform worn by the men of the National Guard in the 1870s.

French draughtsman, painter and illustrator, Alphonse de Neuville is one of the most eminent representatives of 19th-century military painting.
On the recommendation of Hippolyte Bellangé, he briefly joined the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1853. A pupil of François Edouard Picot and Eugène Delacroix, he made his debut at the Salon of 1859.

First known as an illustrator, he collaborated with various magazines, such as L'illustration or Le Monde illustré. Subsequently, he achieved some success at the Salons thanks to his military scenes, which earned him several prizes. Alphonse de Neuville perfected his skills by following the teachings of Ernest Meissonier, a great painter specializing in the genre of military history painting.

He himself enlisted in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 within the National Guard. As a combatant artist, his proximity to the front allowed him to accurately capture the scenes he witnessed. "The ultimate dramatist of war," his works are admired and sell for high prices in France and throughout Europe.

While over time his work has fallen into oblivion, we are now rediscovering this once highly admired artist, whose drawing demonstrates great talent. His works are exhibited in major museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum in New York, or the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, which holds many sketches similar to our drawing.
A street in Paris bears his name, and a statue in his image, created by Mr. Francise de Saint-Vidal, stands in the Place Wagram in Paris.

The sheet has stains, which do not alter the drawing.