Napoleonic Serving Boy and Cantinière
The French 4th Dragoon Officer is now seated at his table with the last two figures of this 54mm military modelling diorama completed.
I decided that the serving lady would be a Cantinière. (Wives of French soldiers who followed them on campaign and who have also been known to follow them into battle with life sustaining brandy).
In Napoleonic times the brandy barrel she is carrying (known as a tonnelet) should be in the patriotic colours of red, white and blue. But maybe hers was damaged in a recent battle and this one is a local replacement awaiting painting.
Maybe that is why she is offering the French Dragoon Officer a cup of her brandy – to arrange for the painting of her new barrel.
There is an excellent description of the life of a Cantinière at the following website “Following the Drum“.
The serving boy is also complete and I have represented his sleeveless jerkin as one that could have originated from an infantryman – with the sleeves and tails cut off and buttons removed – all that remains ‘French’ is the colour. And in Napoleonic times many clothes were unobtainable on campaigns.
Ignore the shine on some of the paint on the boy – this photo was taken before the paint was dry.
Now the boy is in deep conversation with the dragoon office whilst he sits at his table in the French Cafe.
It seems that the Dragoon is in deeper discussion with the boy now. Maybe the boy, whom we can assume is the son of the Cantinière, has just asked the Dragoon if he can join up?
As the Cantinière is still holding onto the cup in her hand, and from the attitude of the boy’s shoulders, it would seem that the Dragoon is telling him he is too young for the Dragoons.
What do you think?
So, this 54mm military modelling diorama is completed and just awaits fitting to a wooden base, varnishing in matt varnish and the placing of a knife and fork onto the table as the Dragoon could not be expected to eat with his fingers.
Work on planning the next diorama has already begun………