Antique 19th Century Miniature Painting Depicting Napoleonic Dutch Red Lancers Of The Napoleon Imperial Guard

This exquisite antique miniature painting, dating back to the latter half of the 19th century, presents a captivating portrayal of the Napoleonic Dutch officers known as the Red Lancers of the Imperial Guard (Lanciers rouges de la Garde impériale). The officers, garbed in their striking red uniforms, are depicted standing alongside their majestic horses at the bivouac. The intricate details of the painting, from the officers' expressions to their regal attire, offer a glimpse into the past and a tribute to the rich history of the Napoleonic era.
This stunning miniature painting is a true masterpiece, meticulously crafted by the talented French artist Joubert. The artist used watercolors and gouache to bring this remarkable work of art to life, expertly applying each stroke with incredible precision. The organic wafer surface provided the perfect backdrop for the artist to capture even the most minor details of the subject, resulting in a truly breathtaking piece. To further authenticate the piece, the artist's signature, "Joubert," can be found in the lower left corner, adding an extra layer of value to this exquisite work of art.
This finely painted miniature showcases the artist's superb skills with realistically painted horses and officers in accurate proportions and fine details of their uniforms and sabers.
The painting is set under convex glass mounted in an opulent gilt bronze ormolu inner frame, housed in a wooden frame with ebony claddings. The corners are decorated with ornate gilded bronze ormolu Empire plaques.
It is supported by a backing board and is fitted with two loops for suspension.

MEASUREMENTS:
Dimensions of the wooden frame: 21 cm (8.3 inches) x 17 cm (6.7 inches).
The inner bronze frame's dimensions: 13 cm (5.1 inches) x 9.8 cm (3.9 inches).

CONDITION: This original painting is in very good condition, with no restorations or repairs. Frame with old patina showing its age and use.

HISTORY of the REGIMENT: The official name of the regiment in French: 2e régiment de chevau-légers lanciers de la Garde Impériale (English: 2nd Regiment of Light Cavalry Lancers of the Imperial Guard).
"Regiment de Hussards de la Garde a Cheval du Roi" became the 2nd. Regiment of Lancers of the Guard of Napoleon
One of the most famous regiments of the Imperial Guard was the 2nd (Dutch) Lancer Regiment, the famous Red Lancers, so named because of the color of their uniforms. Originally a Dutch light cavalry regiment, it entered the French Imperial Guard on September 13, 1810, after Napoleon annexed the Kingdom of Holland.
The 2e Chevauleger—lanciers de la Garde (hollandaise) rose from the status of Middle Guard in 1811, having its first five squadrons designated as Old Guard in 1813. The promotion to the status of Old Guard put the Dutch lancers at the pinnacle of the French army's pecking order. In 1812, they totaled 1,500 men and were sent to Russia.

The regiment served at Smolensk and in the Battle of Moscow (Borodino). During the retreat, the Poles once again distinguished themselves when, in the early hours of October 25, near the small village of Horodina, the Emperor and his headquarters staff were attacked by Cossacks. During the retreat, the 1st Polish Guard Lancers wisely had their horses roughshod and saved two hundred horses out of a thousand. The Dutch 2nd regiment could only save a few officers' mounts. They suffered crippling losses in Russia in 1812, and the essential Dutch character was lost, most of the replacements being French, some coming from the mounted component of the Garde de Paris and members of Joseph's former Guard.
With the abdication of the Emperor in the Spring of 1814, a single squadron of 150 men accompanied the Emperor to Elba, with only 22 men being mounted.
When Napoleon returned to France for the 100 Days campaign, the lancers marched with him, carrying their saddles on their backs. The regiment could not be reformed, as what existed in 1814 had been disbanded. The Lancers fought bravely during Ney's great cavalry attacks on the British center at Waterloo.