Charging Cuirassier, Att. To édouard Detaille (1848–1912)

Black crayon on laid paper, sun-bleached paper, view size 27.4 x 16.9 cm

Édouard Detaille was a leading specialist in French military painting, trained by Ernest Meissonier and following in the footsteps of painters such as François Gérard and Horace Vernet. He is renowned for his attention to detail and the accuracy of the soldiers’ uniforms and the scenes he depicted. He became famous in his day for his paintings depicting the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. He is also renowned for his murals. As a result, he was commissioned to create works for the decoration of Paris City Hall and the apse of the Panthéon. His best-known painting, titled *Le rêve* (The Dream), which dates from 1888 and celebrates past military glories, is now housed at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.

The drawing presented here depicts a cuirassier seen from the back, sword drawn, on his mount at a gallop. It is likely a preparatory study for a painting.

The drawing is sold in a mounting that includes a pH-neutral backing board, an off-white beveled mat, a sealed protective enclosure, 2 mm-thick glass, a hanging fixture, and a modern frame. If you would like to purchase the drawing without the modern frame, please contact the gallery before making your purchase.