Bronze Sculpture "french Imperial Cuirassier 1804" Mid-19th Century

Impressive bronze sculpture - "Cuirassier Impérial Français 1804" mid-19th century. A beautifully detailed bronze sculpture of a soldier mounted on his horse wearing the insignia of Napoleon with silver and gold gilding and a polychrome patina. On an onyx base (some small losses and chips). Plate mentioning "Corazziere Imperiale Francia 1804 64/200". This piece is a limited edition and numbered 64 out of 200 copies. The phrase "Corazziere Imperiale Francia 1804" appears to be in Italian. It translates to “Cuirassier Impérial Français 1804” in English. Cuirassiers were heavy cavalry units in European armies, and "Cuirassier Impérial Français" refers to a specific type of cavalryman serving in the French Imperial Army during the Napoleonic era, particularly around the year 1804 when Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor of the French. The Imperial Guard originated during the French Revolution as the Directory Guard, then transformed into the Consular Guard. When Napoleon became Emperor on May 10, 1804, the Consular Guard transformed into the Imperial Guard and was gradually expanded. In 1809, the Imperial Guard was composed of the Old Guard, the Middle Guard and the Young Guard, becoming a sort of private army within the national army. The Imperial Guard was characterized by devotion and absolute loyalty to Napoleon and its senior officers placed themselves in extreme defense of the Emperor on the day of the Battle of Waterloo. Napoleon's 'N' insignia was primarily used during his reign as Emperor, which lasted from 1804 to 1814 (with a brief return in 1815 during the Hundred Days). This insignia was commonly associated with its imperial regime and was used on various items such as military uniforms, official documents and personal effects. H - 36cm