This 1881 watercolor on board of a Cuirassier is by the celebrated French painter of Parisian society and historical events, Eugene Lami (1800-1890) who was famous for the minute details in his realistic depictions of French military figures popular after the Franco-Prussian War. Measuring 5 1/4" x 3 1/2" image, 12 12" x 6 1/2" framed it is signed with the artist's intials and date lower left,  It is in excellent condition with no holes, tears, fading, toning or stains and framed under glass in a decorative French mat and handsome gold frame,.Armed with cutlass and pistol, the Cuirassier wore breastplate armor and a plumed helmet.. Examples of Lami's watercolors can be found in the collections of many museums including the National Gallery in Washington,DC; J Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles; British Royal Collection, London,

     Eugène Lami first studied painting with Horace Vernet, who in 1817 sent him to study with Baron Antoine-Jean Gros at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. There he met Thèodore Gèricault and learned the art of watercolor painting from the English Romantic, R. P. Bonington. Much of Lami's early work was in lithography, which had only recently become a commercially viable medium. Between 1819 and 1821 he produced numerous lithographs including a large series illustrating the uniforms of the French Army. Lami's paintings of military subjects caught the attention of royalty and he quickly established ties to the French court. Louis-Philippe commissioned him to make a number of military paintings for the chateau at Versailles, which the King turned into a museum in 1837. At this point, Lami began to concentrate on court life, painting scenes of the bourgeoisie. He then turned to watercolor, which would remain his favorite medium for the rest of his life. In his later years, he became increasingly interested in depicting historical events. Awarded the Legion D'Honneur, Lami was a founder of the Society of French Watercolorists. He continued to work until his death at the age of ninety.