Guerrier Écossais
This delightful engraving of an anonymous Scots soldier was sketched and produced in Paris during the occupation of France by the Allies in 1815. The head and shoulders portrayal of the soldier is somewhat romantic and clearly illustrates the fascination of the local Parisians with the kilted warriors (the 42nd 79th and 92nd Regiments of Foot) who had fought at Waterloo.
The original drawing, sketched from life, was produced by a certain Charlotte Laby, and the subsequent engraving was carried out by Monsieur Bertrand of no. 9, Rue de Savoie, in Paris.
The subject has a clean, youthful and attractive appearance with boyish curly hair and ribbons and feather plume attached to his Kilmarnock bonnet. The regiment is not known from his uniform but since the engraving is housed in the museum of the Black Watch in Perth he may have been a soldier of the 42nd Regiment.
There are many cartoons and sketches of Scots soldiers walking and parading around Paris and the Bois de Boulogne, where there was a large army camp for the Allies. The engraving reminds us of the ‘Auld Alliance’ between France and Scotland, dating back to the 13th century and reflecting French support for several lost Scottish causes, and the employment of Scots mercenaries who had fought for France. For example, some years after Agincourt, in 1421 at the Battle of Bauge, they helped defeat an English force. They assisted Joan of Arc in her campaigns and also formed the Guarde Écossias, a traditional bodyguard for French kings.
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Curatorial info
- Originating Museum: The Black Watch Museum
- Production Date: 1815
- Creator: Monsieur Bertrand
- Material: Ink on canvas
- Creation Place: Paris
- Technique: Printed engraving
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Use this image
You can download and use the high resolution image for use in a non-profit environment such as a school or college, but please take note of the license type and rights holder information below
- Rights Holder: Copyright The Black Watch Museum
- License Type: Creative Commons
Find it here
This object is in the collection of The Black Watch Castle and Museum