Black Ink Drawing By R. Atthalin Of A Chronological Frieze Of Military History.

A pen-and-black-ink drawing by R. Atthalin depicting a chronological frieze of military history.
The Atthalin name is inextricably linked to the 19th century, a passion for French history, and exceptional draftsmanship—particularly when depicting the military world or Romantic landscapes.
This pen drawing is highly original and fascinating, reading much like a historical comic strip.
It offers a retrospective of French soldiers through the ages, arranged from left to right. The drawing’s great appeal lies in the contrast between the historical accuracy of the uniforms and the almost genial demeanor of the figures.
The artist sought to illustrate the evolution of attire across the centuries.
Specifically: The Medieval period (far left)—the procession opens with the heroic figures of the Middle Ages, an era that captivated 19th-century Romantic artists. The Renaissance and the Wars of Religion (middle left)—moving to the right, the style of armor and clothing shifts radically, marking the transition into the 16th and 17th centuries. The Ancien Régime and Louis XIV (center)—here, we enter the golden age of the Musketeers and the armies of the Sun King (late 17th to 18th century). The Revolution and the First Empire (right)—finally, we arrive at the artist's own era. The drawing, which shows some foxing, is set behind glass (accounting for the shadows in my photos) and framed in a gilded wood molding that requires restoration. The white matting shows significant foxing. The frame is original.
Origin: France, Alsace
Period: 19th century
Dimensions with frame: 41 cm x 31 cm
Dimensions of drawing: 21 cm x 12 cm