French Military, Napoleonic era
An apron and axe give this Young Guard sapper a working identity beneath an ornate military appearance. Del Prado combines practical equipment with tall headgear, making the figure an easy focal point in an infantry group.
Tall dark headgear, a dark uniform and strong white cross-belts give this Old Guard artilleryman an imposing appearance. The subject broadens a Guard display beyond grenadiers and officers while keeping its familiar visual character.
The curved instrument at this infantryman’s front is the detail that changes the story. Del Prado’s 1809 bugler represents communication within a unit, while retaining much of the equipment and appearance of the soldiers around him.
“Marie-Louise” on this figure’s label refers to a conscript, not the empress herself. The plain coat and modest equipment give Del Prado’s 1814 recruit a very different character from the decorated veterans of the Guard.
This Del Prado standard bearer combines a narrow standing soldier with a flag held close along the staff. It is a quieter composition than the broad Guard eagle bearer, but an equally useful regimental centrepiece.
The upright tool beside this dark-uniformed figure makes him a useful change from the usual musket-bearing soldier. The dealer identifies him as an Imperial artillery engineer, a support subject that rewards careful labeling.
Dark clothing, white trousers and a straightforward standing pose make this flanker easy to overlook beside an eagle bearer. His subject is valuable precisely because the Imperial Guard contained much more than its famous veteran grenadiers.
A dark uniform and bicorne give this 1805 artilleryman a simple, recognisable outline. Del Prado’s standing gunner is useful for collectors who want the people around a battery as well as the guns themselves.
The small barrel and colourful clothing make this cantinière one of the most distinctive foot figures in the Del Prado range. She adds the provision of everyday supplies to a shelf of soldiers and officers.
Del Prado’s standing Berthier brings the army’s headquarters onto the shelf. The decorated dark coat and small hand-held object give this marshal a different presence from the more theatrical cavalry commanders.
