French Cavalry Officer Lieutenant Carte de Visite

This carte de visite features a French cavalry officer at the rank of lieutenant, dating to the mid-to-late 19th century. The subject is shown in formal military attire, which typically includes a tailored tunic, epaulettes indicative of rank, and distinctive braid or piping associated with cavalry units of the era. Carte de visite photographs were widely used in the 1850s–1870s for personal portraits and as keepsakes, measuring approximately 2.5 x 4 inches, and mounted on cardstock. The reverse side often displays the photographer’s studio imprint and location, providing further context about the photograph’s origin. As a representative example of period military photography, this item conveys details of uniform style, insignia, and bearing characteristic of French cavalry officers following the reforms of the Second Empire and early Third Republic periods. The carte de visite format remains a valuable resource for historical research and the study of military dress and iconography.