Framed hand-colored print of Prussian Garde officers – 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment (circa 1833)

This elegant hand-colored lithograph features two uniformed Prussian Garde officers in full dress, posed confidently against a light backdrop. Their striking uniforms—deep navy blue tunics with bold red lapels, crisp white breeches, black boots, and bicorne hats—represent the distinctive parade attire of elite guardsmen from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment (I.R. 15), as noted in period handwriting on the reverse. This unit, part of the prestigious Prussian Garde, served in Berlin and often appeared in royal ceremonies and public reviews.

The image is finely detailed and well-proportioned, capturing the sharp tailoring and martial bearing associated with Prussia’s military culture during the reign of Friedrich Wilhelm III and his successors. The Prussian Garde were often the model for military professionalism in Europe, and this depiction highlights their disciplined formality.

The paper exhibits soft toning consistent with its age, but the colors remain vivid and stable thanks to careful preservation and professional matting. The artwork is housed in a modest gold-painted wooden frame that complements the image’s antique aesthetic while allowing for immediate display. The reverse side includes handwritten German text noting:
"Interims Uniform der Garde Offiziers vom 1. Bataillon I.R. 15 und vom Regiment. Aus Uniformwerk L. Francke c. 1833."
This suggests the image is taken from or based on a uniform plate by L. Francke, a noted military illustrator of the early 19th century.

Condition: Very good for age. The print shows minor toning but no significant foxing or tears. The frame has wear consistent with age, with some gold loss on edges but remains sturdy.

Display suggestions: An ideal piece for collectors of Napoleonic or early Imperial German military art. Would pair well with other Garde-related prints or Prussian officer portraits.

Historical relevance: The 15th Infantry Regiment, known as “Prinz Friedrich der Niederlande,” was garrisoned in Minden and later Berlin. It saw ceremonial duty and combat service, forming a key part of Prussia’s elite military image during the Vormärz and post-Napoleonic restructuring.