Paul-Émile-Léon Perboyre was a French painter of military scenes. He was born June 12, 1851 in Horbourg (Alsace) into a military family - his father commanded an artillery regiment. He studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he was a student of Leon Bonnat and later Edward Detaille, one of the most famous painters of military themes of the time. He exhibited regularly at the Salon from 1881 to 1926 and obtained an honourable mention in 1908. His oeuvre, especially linked to naturalism and realism, accentuates his love of detail. Perboyre is also known for his genre painting, with delicate portrayals of early twentieth century Parisian life. He died in 1929.
His paintings are found in many private collections and have been sold in major European auction houses such as Christie's, Sotheby's and Bonhams.
Study of a bugler of the 18th Light Infantry Batallion, 1915. This type of battalion is composed of men of small stature and excellent marksmanship. They were located in front of the infantry line, taking advantage of uneven terrain as vantage points. Created in 1854 with headquarters in Longuyon (Lorraine), this regiment took part in the Crimean War, the Italian War of Independence in 1859, the campaign in Mexico, the battles of the Somme and Verdun, and the two World Wars. It was disbanded in 1962.
Artist: Paul Perboyre (1851-1929).
Signed and dated in bottom left corner.
Medium: Oil on panel.
Condition: Perfect condition.
Dimensions: 23 x 17 cm. / 9 x 6.8 in.
Frame: Original frame, gilt wood, 33 x 28 cm. / 13 x 11 in. Good condition. Museum label on frame with artist’s name.
Origin : France.