Henri de Grandmaison, “Charge de Cuirassiers Prussiens”, 1870

Henri de Grandmaison (1834–1901)

“Charge de Cuirassiers Prussiens” (Charge of Prussian Cuirassiers), 1870

Context:

The Franco-Prussian War (1870–71) reshaped the balance of power in Europe and left a lasting mark on French visual culture. In this striking etching, Prussian cuirassiers—heavy cavalrymen recognisable by their metal breastplates and helmets—advance through an explosive, smoke-filled battlefield.

Rather than presenting a neat, triumphant charge, Henri de Grandmaison uses dense, textural linework and billowing clouds of smoke to convey the confusion and terror of modern warfare. His military background lends the scene particular immediacy: a full colonel who served in North Africa during the 1860s, de Grandmaison had firsthand experience of military life and its demands.

Published in 1872 by Alfred Cadart in “L’Illustration Nouvelle,” the print appeared soon after France’s defeat and the fall of the Second Empire. It offers a vivid glimpse of how French artists and audiences confronted the speed and violence of the conflict.

I have also previously listed another powerful etching by de Grandmaison, “They Slay, Die and Laugh,” c. 1871, which offers a further insight into the artist’s wartime experience: https://www.printsandprinciples.com/2021/05/henri-de-grandmaisons-etching-they-slay.html.

Technical Details & Condition

Etching on very thin, buff-coloured laid paper, with wide margins. This is a rare early proof impression, before the lettering for publication as plate 171 in L’Illustration Nouvelle (Paris: Cadart & Luce, 1872).

A strong, crisp, evenly printed impression. Apart from an historic pencil inscription identifying the print, the sheet is in near-pristine condition, with no tears, holes, folds, abrasions, or stains.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 27.9 x 39.4 cm
• Image borderline: 13.8 x 21.6 cm

References:

• Beraldi (not catalogued): Henri Beraldi, “Les graveurs du 19e siècle; guide de l’amateur d’estampes modernes”, vol. 7 (Paris: L. Conquet, 1888), p. 201. Available via Archive.org: https://archive.org/details/lesgraveursdu19e07berauoft/page/200/mode/2up
• Musée d’art et d’histoire de Genève: Charge de Cuirassiers Prussiens, 1872, record ID MM-837196. https://www.mahmah.ch/collection/artistes/de-grandmaison-henri
• Hamburger Kunsthalle: Angriff der preußischen Kürassiere / Charge de Cuirassiers Prussiens, 1872, object no. 72946. https://online-sammlung.hamburger-kunsthalle.de/de/objekt/72946/angriff-der-preussischen-kuerassiere--%22charge-de-cuirassiers-prussiens.%22

Price & Shipping

AU$247 (approximately US$173.31 / €153.83 / £128.45), including worldwide express shipping. Any applicable import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

To Purchase or Enquire

For questions or a PayPal invoice, please contact oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com.

Please note: The scan contrast has been digitally enhanced to show the print’s fine details more clearly. As a result, the digital image tones may not fully reflect the subtle tonal qualities of the physical original.