Portrait of a Young French Soldier, 1900

A Uniformed Enigma: The Young Soldier of 1900

We like to think of our portrait wall as a kind of alternate universe family tree—where every gilded frame holds a long-lost cousin, a scandalous great-uncle, or a very glamorous, slightly melancholic aunt. Here we present a new addition to the clan: a young soldier with shoulders broad enough to carry the weight of an empire.

This portrait captures a young man in a French military uniform, adorned with bright red tassels on his shoulders and the numbers "39 39" on his collar. The painting, signed and dated April 1900, is inscribed "À mon ami André," though the artist's full name remains elusive. The artwork exhibits some damage and paint loss at the bottom, but the subject's visage and attire remain strikingly preserved. The frame, too, retains its original charm.

French Military Portraits: A (Very) Brief Fashion File
At the fin de siècle, it was tradition in France to have a portrait done in uniform—a painterly equivalent of the modern-day graduation pic, but with far better tailoring. Uniforms weren’t just functional; they were statements of pride and hierarchy. These were not mass-market memories—they were bespoke tributes to honour, duty, and youth.

These portraits often featured detailed depictions of uniforms, insignia, and regimental identifiers. The numbers "39 39" on the collar likely denote the soldier's regiment, a common practice in French military attire to indicate unit affiliation. The red tassels, or épaulettes, suggest a rank or role within the regiment, possibly indicating an elite company or specific duty.

These artworks served not only as personal mementos but also as symbols of national pride and military tradition.

Why We Love Portraits (Especially Ones in Uniform)
Incorporating antique portraits into contemporary spaces adds depth and narrative. These artworks serve as conversation starters, bridging past and present, and infusing interiors with historical gravitas. They remind us of the individuals behind the uniforms and the stories they carried. They spark conversations, start stories, and elevate interiors with a sense of heritage and depth.

They also pair surprisingly well with modern spaces—try hanging a 19th-century lad in a minimalist hallway and see the magic happen!

France, 1900 | Oil on Canvas | Part Soldier, Part Style Icon