Officer Receiving The National Order Of The Legion Of Honor. Oil On Canvas / Around 1840

Interesting portrait of a middle-aged man, an "officer" dressed in his military costume and proudly displaying the National Order of the Legion of Honor. Created on May 19, 1802 by Prime Minister Bonaparte, it rewards soldiers and civilians who have rendered proud services to the Nation. It is awarded to holders of the rank of Knight with eight years of seniority in this rank. The badge is a star with five double rays enameled in white, the ten points buttoned. The star and buttons are in vermeil. We can see two tricolor flags there, the result of the choice of the “bourgeois king” Louis-Philippe (1830-1848) in order to voluntarily break with the ostentation and splendor of the Ancien Régime. The badge is suspended from a red ribbon, inherited from the military order of Saint-Louis, the rosette. This corresponds to the net which connects the two sides of the high-ranking officer's uniform. The dark-colored jacket is enhanced by elegant gold buttons. The soldier's "laconic" look says a lot about his experience and wisdom. He must have served in the various previous regimes (Republic, 1st Empire then Restoration). The frame is in wood with gold leaf and from the Restoration period (1815-1830). Decor in the corners with foliage and heart rays. The canvas and frame are in good condition.