Fusilier

Fusilier

Luca Madrassi

1885 (circa)

This late 19th-century bronze statuette represents a fusilier (infantryman) in Napoleon's army. Armed with musket and bayonet, the well-equipped soldier wears a tall bearskin hat which is fitted at the front with an eagle badge, and decorated with plume, pom poms, and braided cord. The belt which crosses over the subject's shoulders holds his sword and a cartridge box, which also bears a Napoleonic eagle. Buttoned gaiters, worn to protect the soldier on the march, cover the fusilier's shoes and reach mid thigh. The long skirt of the subject's coat is folded back and hooked up to allow better mobility.

Born in Italy, Luca Madrassi (fl. 1869-1914) studied at L'Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In addition to his realistic military sculpture, Madrassi was a master of the fantastic, modeling such allegorical subjects as fairies, cupids, satyrs and genies.

35.5" H

Bronze

Gift of Frances Sabena and Mary Elizabeth Fernley

General Collection, Museum Collection, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia

1979.04.01

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