Military portrait - G. Durand, Châlons-sur-Marne (ca. 1880)

An impressive French carte de visite portrait of a soldier in richly decorated uniform, photographed around 1880 by G. Durand , located at 2 Rue des Trésoriers & 36 Rue de Vaux, Châlons-sur-Marne .
The man wears a ceremonial uniform with cord decoration and sabre, typical of the French cavalry or guard of the Third Republic.
The reverse is ornately printed in bronze ink with medals from 1874 exhibitions—a hallmark of photographers who liked to mention their awards as a stamp of quality.

Technique: Albumen photo on cardboard ( carte de visite )
Dimensions: approx. 10 × 6.3 cm
Condition: Very good; slight aging to top edge
Origin: Châlons-sur-Marne, France

Photographer G. Durand was active in northeastern France, a region with a strong military presence during the Franco-German tensions of the 19th century.
The portrait exudes strength and discipline — but also the refined aesthetics of French portraiture.