Bronze on a wooden base. Length: 34 cm. Height: 32 cm.

Limited edition of 49 pieces.

Chasseur à Cheval of Napoleon's Imperial Guard

This sculpture by José Crespo, titled «Chasseur à Cheval of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard,» captures a moment of tranquility and reflection amidst the bustle of military life. Crafted in bronze and set on a polished wooden base, the piece depicts a chasseur mounted on his horse, leaning forward in a moment of calm. This scene of serenity contrasts with the intensity of war, highlighting the humanity of soldiers.

The chasseur, dressed in the uniform of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard, is sculpted with great attention to detail. The uniform, featuring a braided jacket and a plumed hat, reflects José Crespo’s dedication to historical accuracy and authenticity. The soldier’s posture, relaxed yet vigilant, conveys both his training and his alert state.

The horse, depicted with remarkable anatomical precision, adopts a natural stance as it leans down to graze. The texture of its coat, the detailed musculature, and the positioning of its legs enhance the realism of the scene. The details of the horse’s equipment, such as the bridle and harness, are meticulously crafted, adding another layer of authenticity.

The polished wooden base supporting the sculpture provides a warm contrast to the bronze, enhancing the figure and offering an elegant and sturdy foundation. This base also frames the scene, drawing the viewer’s attention to the quiet moment captured in the piece.

«This figure posed a new challenge for a novice sculptor like me: creating a horse.

I began the figure in Castellón at the end of 2002, but I left it unfinished. Initially, it was going to be a «Bugler of the Montesa Hunters» based on the painting of the same name by J. Cusachs i Cusachs. During a visit to Madrid, my classmate, nicknamed ‘The Cowboy,’ posed on the horse under the promise that he would one day be immortalized as a model of Spanish Cavalry…

I took the figure with me to Belgium, and there, suddenly, it transformed into a Chasseur—but one of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard! I can assure you, I didn’t intend for this to happen… The blame lies entirely with the reenactment of the Battle of Waterloo, which I attended in June 2005.

I was impressed… enchanted… blown away! I should never have gone! There, I took enough photos of Napoleon’s chasseurs to capture every detail of their uniforms. With that, in June 2005, I began transforming the piece, and on July 10, in Mons, I finished it.

When my friend ‘The Cowboy’ finds out…»

José Crespo