The aim of this four-page colour reference is to authenticate the colour "Imperial Blue", which was used on all French infantry and artillery uniforms. Thanks to the support of the Musée de l'Emperi in Salon-de-Provence, France, and the private collector Jean Brunon, the creators had the opportunity to inspect uniforms from the First Empire. These were compared with fabric samples in other museums and institutions in order to obtain cross-references. The makers do not claim that the colours presented are the only "real" colours worn by Napoleon's soldiers.
However, they have endeavoured to source or examine the best available samples of First Empire uniforms and almost all visual colour comparisons have been made on the inside of garments, behind the linings, where colours are most likely to have remained the same over the last 200 years. The printer used actual fabric samples to match the colours shown in this colour reference book.
Group
Books (first-hand)
Author
Dawson, Paul
Title
The Colors of Napoleon’s Army 1807-1815. Painting Guide
Details
English text, numerous colour references for uniform colours of the army of Emperor Napoleon I. 4 pages.