The Wounded Cavalryman Appraisal

The Wounded Cavalryman (Le Hussard Blessé)

This is a large-format oil painting on canvas, likely a mid-20th-century reproduction of a classic Romantic or Academic military subject matter. The composition depicts a weary, wounded hussar or cavalry soldier in an 18th or 19th-century military uniform, including a head bandage and a long gray campaign cloak. He leans heavily against his horse, which bows its head in exhaustion over a snow-covered ground. The color palette is somber, dominated by earthy browns, muted grays, and the stark white of the snow, creating a dramatic and melancholic tone. The brushwork appears deliberate, following the tradition of realist military art. The soldier's uniform includes tan breeches, dark riding boots, and a wide leather belt. A saber hangs by his side, further identifying his status. The item is housed in a simple wooden frame. While some surface dust and minor age-related cracking (craquelure) are visible, the painting seems to be in generally stable condition. There are no immediate maker marks visible in the photograph, but the style is deeply reminiscent of Napoleonic-era genre paintings, specifically echoing the themes found in works by artists like Théodore Géricault.