French Hussars Albumen Photograph c1890 Seven Cavalrymen in Uniform

Description

This French Hussars albumen photograph depicts seven cavalrymen posing in uniform around 1890. The group is attributed to the French 3rd Hussar Regiment, with the number 3 visible on the standing collars.

Arranged in two rows, the men pose against a setting combining masonry, vegetation and hanging fabric. Their varied positions allow a close view of the uniforms and equipment while giving the group portrait a strong sense of presence.

The fitted dolmans feature horizontal braided frogging and multiple rows of buttons. Numbered collars, plumed shakos with metal chin chains, riding boots and cavalry sabres provide numerous details of interest to collectors of military photography. One of the men poses bareheaded while holding his headdress.

The photograph displays warm brown and sepia tones. The visible detail in the clothing and accessories makes it an appealing document of French cavalry dress in the late nineteenth century.

The photographer and the individual sitters have not been identified.

Subject: group portrait of seven French cavalrymen.
Regimental attribution: French 3rd Hussars.
Date: circa 1890.
Process: albumen photograph on paper.
Photographer: unidentified.
Dimensions: to be confirmed.

Condition: age-related toning and marks. Wear to the edges and corners, including a small loss at the upper right corner. The reverse shows spotting and foxing. Details of the uniforms remain clearly visible. Photographs of the front and reverse form an integral part of the description.

An evocative period photograph for a collection devoted to French military history, cavalry uniforms or nineteenth-century portrait photography.