EUGENE CHAPERON (1857-1938). The Major de Ségur participatin - Lot 142

Lot n° 142
Go to lot
Estimation :
2000 - 3000 EUR
Result with fees
Result : 10 625EUR
EUGENE CHAPERON (1857-1938). The Major de Ségur participatin - Lot 142
EUGENE CHAPERON (1857-1938). The Major de Ségur participating in the charge of the Poles at Sommo-Sierra. Oil on canvas (small restorations) signed and dated April 1808 lower right. Wooden frame and gilded stucco, decorated with trophies of arms and palmettes. 60x73 cm. B.E. Exhibition: Salon des artistes français of 1911. It was cited as a remarkable historical painting in "Le magasin pittoresque" (1911). Bibliography Reproduced in "La Garde Impériale" by Lachouque. Lavauzelle, p.140, reproduced. History: A considerable episode in imperial mythology, and more particularly that of the Guard, the charge of the Polish light hair regiment of the Imperial Guard at the Somosierra pass on 30 November 1808 is a model. Faced with the impossibility for the infantry of the Victor division to advance, the Emperor decided to have the squadron on duty at his side, the 3rd Polish Light Hair, charge. Kozietulski led the charge with the official cry "Long live the Emperor". However, a popular legend claims that the real battle cry was in Polish "Naprzód psiekrwie, Cesarz patrzy" (Forward sons of dogs, the Emperor is watching you!) At the cost of extraordinary bravery and heavy losses, the Poles reached the last battery. The other squadrons of the regiment are then engaged. The pass is cleared. The Emperor said to the survivors: "You are all worthy of my Guard. I recognize you as my bravest cavalry. ». On the side of the French officers involved, it was wrongly stated that Montbrun had led the charge, which is incorrect. Ségur, marshal of the logis of the Emperor's Household, did participate in the charge, but did not command it. He was wounded several times, including one serious wound. He was appointed colonel and returned to Paris to treat his wounds and bring back the flags taken from the enemy. EUGENE CHAPERON (1857-1938) DE SEGUR WITH THE CHARGE OF THE POLISH LIGHT HORSE AT SOMMOSIERRA (1808). OIL ON CANVAS
My orders
Sale information
Sales conditions
Return to catalogue