Museum – Sculpture, Carved Monoxyl Napoleonic Soldier – Folk Art – Napoleon

Early 19th century

Massif Central, France

A rare folk sculpture carved from a single piece of wood, depicting a Napoleonic soldier. The figure is depicted standing, wearing a bicorne hat and a uniform adorned with epaulets, a bandolier across the chest, a cartridge pouch, and a knapsack carried on his back. He is also depicted as a smoker, holding a pipe in his hand.

The costume is reminiscent of that of an infantryman of the Grande Armée during the First Empire. Without reproducing a specific regulation model, the sculptor drew inspiration from the military figures that left a profound mark on the French countryside in the early 19th century. The expressive facial features, the mustache, the simplified forms, and the direct carving style lend the work all the power and spontaneity of folk art.

Carved from a single piece of wood, this sculpture is a remarkable testament to the popular Napoleonic memory in the Massif Central. Its bold execution, naive character, and beautiful original patina make it an authentic and decorative work.

Of note is an old damage to the base, accompanied by an earlier restoration that is perfectly consistent with the object’s history. A few small holes from old wood-boring insects, now inactive, are also worth noting.

Dimensions:

Height: 40 cm

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