From a Sketch by E. Hosang. Water colour en grisaille on board, 12" x 15", printed caption text tipped onto lower edge. Some light browning, otherwise very good. Date stamp of "1 Mar. 92" verso. [Produced for the Graphic,], 1892.
Caption text continues, "The Austrian Infantry who garrison near towns constantly practise with snow-shoes or ski in the winter. When the snow is deep they not only undertake long marches, but are also trained to manoeuvre on ski. The snow-shoes are fastened in such a way as to bne easily cast off when firing has to be done and the soldiers have to lie down or kneel. In the latter case the men kneel on their ski and so save their knees and feet from sinking in the snow. The troops become very skilful in the management of their snow-shoes, and can cover some distance with them in half the time it would take to get over the ground and [sic.] otherwise."
The annual manoeuvres of other European powers were always viewed as important news events. This wonderfully rendered scene by Dadd has the added element of a fairly exotic setting. A really fine example of this master draughtsman's work. Hosang appears to have been a German-based commercial artist and illustrator.
