First French Empire Marin de la Garde Impériale 1808–1815 Porcelain Figurine Maker Adrien Van Gerdinge 11″

This porcelain figurine represents a Marin de la Garde Impériale (Sailor of the Imperial Guard) from the First French Empire, specifically dating to the period 1808–1815. Created by maker Adrien Van Gerdinge, the figurine stands 11 inches tall and is crafted with attention to period-accurate uniform details. The subject is depicted wearing the distinctive naval dress associated with the elite naval detachments serving under Napoleon I. Features such as the uniform’s cut, headgear, and accouterments are rendered with fidelity to contemporary references from the Napoleonic era. Pieces like this figurine are valued for their historical representation of military personnel within the Imperial Guard, established by Napoleon as a prestigious unit with both ceremonial and combat roles. Adrien Van Gerdinge is known for producing detailed ceramic figures reflecting key military uniforms of the early nineteenth century, making this figurine a relevant reference for collectors and those interested in French military history.