Jean DUPLESSIS-BERTAUX (1747-1818) - Lot 60

Jean DUPLESSIS-BERTAUX (1747-1818) Set of three military engravings, monogrammed "f(ecit) D. B.", depicting soldiers of the Napoleonic army in uniform, accompanied on the reverse by lucky prayers for the soldiers. - Scene with flag bearer and drummer: Illustration highlighting heroism and discipline in the Grande Armée. - Dragon de la Garde Impériale: Soldier in full dragon regalia, symbol of Napoleon's elite units. - Grenadier au fusil de la Garde Impériale: Imposing figure of the grenadier, representing bravery and military excellence under Napoleon. Two of the three engravings are accompanied by a caption at the bottom indicating the role and function of the soldier depicted. On the back of each of the engravings is a prayer dedicated to Saint François Régis, invoking his protection for soldiers on campaign and in wartime: "Saint, Apostle of Velay, who served so many sick people with great charity, who inspired them with Christian sentiments, pray for us... Assist us with your powerful intercessions in our illnesses, especially in the time of our agony and at the moment of our death. So be it. This type of protective prayer was often kept by soldiers as an amulet of protection against the dangers of battle. Each engraving is numbered and probably comes from a suite of engravings on a military theme. Good condition, slight traces of binding visible on verso, without alteration of the prayer text. Stamp of the "Duplessis" collection visible, probably from the artist.