Gendarmes d'Ordonnance

Edouard Detaille

Created:
Movement:
1894
Realism
key Notes:
Military Realism, Historical Uniforms
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Dimensions:
22 x 16 5/8 in. (55.9 x 42.2 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Gendarmes d'Ordonnance" is a painting by French artist Édouard Detaille, completed in 1894. Detaille is known for his detailed depictions of military subjects, reflecting his interest in the French army and its history. The painting portrays a group of gendarmes, or mounted police, in a dynamic and realistic manner, showcasing their uniforms and equipment. Detaille's work often emphasizes the valor and discipline of the military, and this piece is no exception, capturing the essence of the gendarmerie in late 19th-century France. The painting is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and vibrant color palette, hallmarks of Detaille's style. "Gendarmes d'Ordonnance" is part of the collection at the Musée de l'Armée in Paris, which houses a significant number of works related to military history. The specific context of the painting's commission or its reception at the time of creation is not well-documented.

Description of the work:

"Gendarmes d'Ordonnance," created by Édouard Detaille in 1894, is an oil on canvas painting that depicts a group of French gendarmes in a dynamic and detailed composition. The work showcases Detaille's mastery of realism, characterized by meticulous attention to the textures of the gendarmes' uniforms and the surrounding environment. The figures are rendered with a strong sense of volume and depth, emphasizing their physical presence and authority. The use of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the subjects, while the color palette features rich, earthy tones that evoke a sense of historical authenticity. The background is subtly blurred, directing the viewer's focus toward the gendarmes, who are portrayed in a moment of poised readiness. Overall, the painting reflects Detaille's commitment to capturing the spirit and discipline of the French military during the late 19th century.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Gendarmes d'Ordonnance