1858: portraits of the last surviving veterans of the Napoleonic Wars

The Battle of Waterloo in 1815 was the last defeat for Napoleon Bonaparte. But even after his death in 1821, the surviving soldiers of the Grand Army (Grande Armée) deeply respected and revered their commander. And every year on May 5, the day of Napoleon's death, veterans in full uniform marched to the Place Vendome in Paris to pay tribute to their emperor.

These impressive portraits are almost the only remaining images of French veterans who participated in the 1803-1815 Napoleonic Wars. Presumably, the photos were taken on May 5, 1858. All the men, who at that time were already 70-80 years old, are dressed in the uniform in which they fought. It can also be noticed that on the chest of the soldiers hangs the medal of St. Helena, which was awarded in August 1857 to all veterans of the revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.

Monsieur Verlind, 2nd Uhlan Regiment.

Monsieur Vitry, departmental security.

Monsieur Dupont, 1st Hussars.

Quartermaster Fabri, 1st Hussar Regiment.

Monsieur Schmit, 2nd Mounted Rifle Regiment.

Grenadier Berg.

Monsieur Mayor, 7th Hussar Regiment.

Quartermaster Sergeant Delignon.

Sergeant Tariya in the uniform of a grenadier Guards.

Monsieur Ducel, Mameluke.

Monsieur Loria, 24th Infantry Regiment. Knight of the Legion of Honor. Judging by the photo, Loria lost an eye in battles.

Monsieur Mauban, 8th Dragoon Regiment.

Monsieur Lefebre, sergeant of the 2nd Engineer Regiment.

Monsieur Moret in the uniform of a hussar, 2nd Regiment.

Monsieur Dreuse, 2nd Uhlan Regiment.