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Monday, 29 May 2017

Eugene de Beauharnais

Eugene was Josephine’s son by her first marriage and was officially adopted by Napoleon in 1806 although he was excluded from the line of succession. Most accounts say he was the ablest of the family members and he retained a field command right up until the first abdication.

He served as Napoleon’s aide-de-camp in Egypt and then as a Captain in the Guard Chasseurs a Cheval at Marengo where he led a cavalry charge that wiped out half his command. He was promoted to commander of the Imperial Guard and then to C-in-C of the Army of Italy. Eugene fought at Raab, Wagram, Borodino and Lutzen but took no part in the 100 Days.

FN/352 Eugene de Beauharnais uniformed as Colonel of the Chasseurs a Cheval on modified horse BHN/11. I didn’t have the Hinton Hunt painting instructions for this one so based him on an illustration from a link sent to me by Roy.

Eugene will shortly be getting another chance to fight the Battle of Raab.
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14 comments:

  1. Anonymous29 May 2017 at 20:02

    Very nice!

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  2. Anonymous29 May 2017 at 20:47

    Excellent work, love the leopard skin effect, the French were quite flamboyant in not only their dress, but also their horse furniture.

    Paul

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  3. Stryker29 May 2017 at 20:59

    Yes, it was quit tricky doing the horse as it is a British one so I adapted it with a paint conversion.

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  4. Captain Nolan29 May 2017 at 22:07

    As I suspected, the way you painted the horse and his furniture makes him look quite French. Why not throw Eugene into a Waterloo campaign and see how the old boy fares? A wonderful "What if?" scenario.

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  5. Stryker29 May 2017 at 23:54

    Nolan - apparently his father in law insisted that he didn't join Napoleon following the escape from Elba. You're right though it would be a good what if!

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  6. Matt29 May 2017 at 23:54

    I knew that you could turn him into something spectacular...he exudes "Frenchiness". Plus he's the only one in the world like it-well done all round!

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  7. Wellington Man30 May 2017 at 05:43

    He needs a regiment of Chasseurs, Ian! Simply superb.

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  8. Stryker30 May 2017 at 08:19

    Matt - thanks for that, I'm glad I've been able to capture "Frenchiness"!

    WM - That would be good indeed, just need to find some...

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  9. the Archduke30 May 2017 at 09:38

    He is predictably magnificent and unique. One of the very few HH figures to have realistic feet. Well done, sir.

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  10. Lee30 May 2017 at 09:51

    A beautiful figure and paint job, I'm amazed how well these old castings still stand up to a good paint job, it transports them to another level.

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  11. Conrad Kinch30 May 2017 at 10:43

    He is fantastic. Certainly cuts a dash.

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  12. Stryker30 May 2017 at 11:43

    Archduke - yes it was no mean feat painting him, boom-boom!

    Lee - I think old castings do best with old painters.

    Conrad - yes, but I'm a bit worried that he may come to blows with Murat and Lasalle in the display cabinet as they attempt to out dash each other!

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  13. MSFoy30 May 2017 at 14:44

    Super job Ian - unbelievable transformation since previous post! I'm sure his army will be inspired.

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  14. Stryker30 May 2017 at 15:08

    Let's hope he can roll his dice high!

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