Russian Hussars and Lancers, 1807

Watercolour, artist unknown, 1807 (c).

Hussars and Lancers were light cavalry mounted on fast horses. The former were used to fight skirmish battles and for scouting, while the latter were also used to charge enemy infantry formations. The left and central figures are hussars as they wear pelisses: short fur edged jackets which were worn slung over the shoulder in the style of a cape, and were fastened with a cord. The figure on the right is a lancer and can be identified by the square-topped Polish cap or 'czapka'.

From 'Militairisthe Uniformen Russland. 1807', folder containing six drawings of Russian soldiers in various animated scenes.