December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
UNKNOWN ARTIST, FRENCH 18th CENTURY SCHOOL. "Officer of the Cent-Suisses in Campaign Uniform at Nancy, c. 1774." Oil on canvas, 21 5/8 x 18 ¼ inches, within later giltwood frame. The Compagnie des Cent-Suisses ("Company of the Hundred Swiss") were an elite infantry company of Swiss mercenaries that served the French kings from 1471 to 1792 and from 1814 to 1830. Created in 1471 by King Louis XI and originally composed of 100 halbadiers selected for their above-average height and strength, its ranks were divided between pikeman and arquebusiers with the advent of firearms. The unit was part of the Maison militaire du roi de France (military household of the king of France). The Cent-Suisses were dissolved by the Legislative Assembly on 12 May 1792 during the French Revolution, and thus survived (unlike the Swiss Guards) the storming of the Tuileries on 10 August 1792. Along with the rest of the royal household, it was reestablished in the spring of 1814 during the First Restoration, and again in 1815 under the Second Restoration. It resumed its historic function as a ceremonial palace guard, now at the Tuileries, until disbanded during the July Revolution in 1830. The Cent-Suisses were commanded by a captain, two lieutenants, and two ensigns, the first three of which had equivalent ranks as colonels in the army and the latter as lieutenant colonels. The non-commissioned officers all ranked as lieutenants in the French army.
When in its ceremonial guard role, the Cent-Suisses during the 2nd half of the 18th century wore uniforms reminiscent of that worn by Swiss mercernaries during the Renaissance, consisting of laced doublets and wide breeches. However, they also had a “campaign uniform” that was worn on field service, consisting of the royal blue regimental coat faced red, red waistcoat and breeches. This painting of a lieutenant or ensign of the Cent-Suisses while in garrison at Nancy in 1774 and is the only known 18th century work illustrating such dress and provides additional details not reflected in the published regulations, such as that relating to headgear, insignia and arms. The unit apparently wore bearskin grenadier caps on campaign, as seen worn by this subaltern, who is armed with a fusil and bayonet, in addition to short saber. His waistbelt is worn slung over the shoulder and bears a gilt plate bearing the royal arms done in enamel work, while his cap bears a gilt frontplate also decorated with the royal arms. His rank is designated by a single gilt epaulette on the left shoulder, and by a second row of lace on the cuff, paralleling that edging the same. His lapels, waistcoat and pocket flaps are similarly edged with gold lace. This cut of this uniform is that worn by the corps from 1767 under circa 1775. In 1891, this work was in the Canstanie Collection, when a watercolor copy of was painted by A. Story and subsequently published by Albert Depreaux in the"Carnet de Sabertache" in 1936. CONDITION: the canvas has been lined and under UV light, scattered inpainting can be noted.