French Marshall, 1810 by Detaille

[Jason W.]

French Marshal, 1810 by Detaille

This study of a French Marshal by Detaille has me intrigued. But I question the color of the sash and of the greatcoat. The sash appears to be orange/gold color and the coat gray. Are these correct? The Osprey book on Napoleon's Marshals does not help much.

I don't like to question Detaille's work but I'm not greatly familier w/ Napoleonic subjects and it would be nice to get others insights.

Will one of you Nappie experts shed some light on this?

http://dl.lib.brown.edu/repository2/repoman.php?verb=render&id=1140668894133478

Thanks!

Jason

 

[marcellin de marbot]

Hi Jason,
For what I know, this painting represents a French general of Division, not a Marshall. That grade explains the sash, which is correctly gold with little signs of red, giving the orange shading, while Marshalls had gold with white signs or embroideries. Also the black feathers on the hat show he's a general, while the Marshalls had white ones. The grey overcoat too is more typical of generals in campaign dress, while Marshals preferred keep on blue items. Other differences existed between the two grades, as the stars (or Marshall sticks crossed) on the epaulettes, or on the sash knob, or the larger size of gold embroideries of the dressing, but it's useless to speak at this moment. I put here a drawing with the general's sash, to explain better this type of clothing. Anyway, if you want further information, I will be at your disposal.
Best regards
Marcello

 

[Jason W.]

Thanks Marcello!

The images are very much appreciated.

Jason

 

[Jason W.]

Marcello,

Can I trouble you to post those pic's again? I would greatly appreciate it.

Jason