|
||
|
|
|
|
This hand-colored lithograph, created by Jules Renard, known by his pseudonym Draner (a reverse spelling of his surname), was published in Paris in 1865. Draner, a self-taught Belgian artist born in Liège in 1833, gained recognition for his caricatures first in local newspapers and later in significant Parisian publications such as Le Charivari and L'Illustration. His work became known for its humorous yet accurate depictions of military uniforms and social commentary on the ostentation of military parades and officer social status.
This images comes from Draner's renowned series "Types Militaires: Galerie militaire de toutes les nations," which consisted of 136 full-color plates published in Paris by Daziaro and printed by the esteemed Lemercier establishment. This series showcases soldiers and sailors from various nations, highlighting their uniforms with a meticulous eye for detail, while also capturing their national characteristics and often placing them in comically exaggerated poses or scenarios.
This lithograph, titled Etats-Unis d'Amerique, Missouri National Guard is a vivid example of Draner's art, reflecting his fascination with military regalia and the rituals of display. It caricatures a member of the Missouri National Guard, humorously engaging with the subjects of military life and national identity. He wears a bright red military jacket with blue pants, common colors of Union uniforms, and he is carrying a basket full of fish and a mallard duck on his left side, which references foraging or scavenging practices that soldiers sometimes engage in.
Behind him, various posters can be seen on a wall, including one that reads "50,000 Soldiers Wanted," which likely refers to recruitment efforts during the Civil War. Other posters reference 'Moustaches and Whiskers', 'Ice Cream', and 'Union for Ever mass meeting', among others.
![(American Lithography) [Collection of Early American Lithographs, including the First Known American Lithograph of a Natural History Subject - by Charles Alexandre Lesueur; early lithographs by Abadie and other unnamed experimentalists; and unattributed student artwork, likely by pupils of Marie Duclos Fretageot's girl's school]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/90036.jpg)
![[ Electors of the Holy Roman Empire ] Ordines Sacri Romani Imp: Ab Ottone III Instituti](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/99053.jpg)
