Military Officer In Armour Oil Portrait Painting On Canvas

Large c1800 Oil Portrait On Canvas Of Cuirassier wearing his armoured breast plate. - About Cuirassiers (from French cuirassier were cavalry equipped with a cuirass, sword, and pistols. Cuirassiers first appeared in mid-to-late 16th century Europe as a result of armoured cavalry, such as men-at-arms and demi-lancers, discarding their lances and adopting the use of pistols as their primary weapon. - In the later part of the 17th century the cuirassier lost his limb armour and subsequently wore only the cuirass (breastplate and backplate), and sometimes a helmet. By this time, the sword or sabre had become his primary weapon, with pistols relegated to a secondary function. - Cuirassiers achieved increased prominence during the Napoleonic Wars and were last fielded in the opening stages of World War I (1914-1918). A number of countries continue to use cuirassiers as ceremonial troops. - The French term cuirassier means "one with a cuirass" (French: cuirasse), the breastplate armour which they wore. - Signed Indistinctly upper right corner. - Christies Label Verso - Later replacement gilt wooden frame. - Framed Measurements Height: 35 Inches Width: 28.5 Inches - Condition Good order for the age commensurate with just a few minor surface abrasions and superficial scratches near head.Past historic reline. - Delivery Uk Tracked & Recorded £50 Europe £100 / USA & Asia £180 - Telephone 07765 856171 - Our Ref: 0877 / Bargain Price -