Artwork
Gendarmes d'Ordonnance
Gendarmes d'Ordonnance is an oil painting by Édouard Detaille. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
As a historical genre scene, the work idealizes the past, reflecting late-nineteenth-century French nostalgia for military tradition and social stability.
The painting depicts a mounted patrol of late-seventeenth-century French gendarmes in blue uniforms and plumed hats, accompanied by a dog and a groom. Detaille renders the scene with military precision, emphasizing the disciplined order of the gendarmes d’ordonnance, elite mounted troops tasked with maintaining public order and ceremonial duties. The orderly procession and polished armor evoke ideals of service and authority, while the inclusion of a hound suggests vigilance and readiness.
As a historical genre scene, the work idealizes the past, reflecting late-nineteenth-century French nostalgia for military tradition and social stability.
Technique & Style
The work is executed in oil paint on a canvas support, measuring approximately 55.9 cm in height and 42.2 cm in width. The painting is dated 1894 and executed in oil on canvas. Dated 1894, it is classified as a painting and belongs to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection.
The composition shows a horse, a rider, and a dog engaged in an equestrian scene. No information on the painting’s current condition or specific handling techniques is provided in the sources.
History & Provenance
Édouard Detaille's 1894 oil painting, Gendarmes d'Ordonnance, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work, executed on canvas, measures 55.9 cm in height and 42.2 cm in width. While the museum houses the piece, the provided sources do not specify a unique inventory or accession number for the artwork.
Furthermore, the available documentation contains no records regarding the painting's exhibition history or specific display locations within the institution. The entry confirms the work's creation date and medium but lacks detailed provenance data beyond its current custodianship.
Overview
Édouard Detaille, a French academic painter, completed Gendarmes d'Ordonnance in 1898. This oil painting portrays a group of mounted soldiers moving through a village street, a subject typical of Detaille's focus on military life. The work is recognized for its precise and realistic depiction of both equestrian detail and military discipline, reflecting the artist's close engagement with the French army. It is currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Context
As a semi-official artist for the French army, Édouard Detaille maintained a deep connection to military life. His work, including Gendarmes d'Ordonnance, consistently emphasized accuracy in portraying soldiers, uniforms, and equestrian elements. This dedication to factual representation stemmed from his direct involvement and observation, aiming to present an authentic vision of military discipline and the daily existence of the armed forces in late 19th-century France.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Baptiste Édouard Detaille (French pronunciation:; 5 October 1848 – 23 December 1912) was a French academic painter and military artist noted for his precision and realistic detail.
- Insurrection episode
Soldiers
Hussar from the 13th Regiment of the Army of the Duchy of Warsaw
Hussars
Cavalry
Uhlan with a Girl
Light cavalryman charging
Parade of the Austrian troops before King Jan Sobieski
Return of the "Lisowczycy"
Scene from the Ten Days' Campaign against the Belgian Revolt, August 1831
In the forest (Uhlans’ post)
Procession of hussars