A Journey Through Time: Louis Lepic audacious cavalry charge at Eylau

When I discovered a box of resin figures depicting a French Grenadier à Cheval, I felt a rush of excitement. This Italian brand offered a striking figure that caught my eye, but it had an unusual posture. The Grenadier officer appeared to be looking back while charging on his horse, a detail that sparked my curiosity and prompted me to take on the challenge of assembly and painting.

During the week following the Models and Figures Exhibition in Paris, I dedicated my time to this project. The figure represented Colonel Louis Lepic, widely recognized for his brave leadership during the grueling Battle of Eylau. This pivotal battle, taking place in February 1807, witnessed Lepic commanding a distinguished cavalry unit of Grenadier à Cheval. Despite facing overwhelming odds against Russian forces, he led an audacious charge that turned the tide at a critical moment.

Hand-painting of colonel Lepic at Eylau battle

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The Historical Context

The Battle of Eylau unfolded during the War of the Fourth Coalition and marked a brutal clash of armies under harsh winter conditions. Colonel Lepic’s cavalry charged into battle while enduring relentless artillery fire aimed at them. His famous command, “Head up gentlemen, the mitraille is not turds!”, symbolizes the spirit of determination that united his troops.

Imagine the exhilarating sight of around 10,000 cavalrymen charging across the icy terrain! This incredible force thundered forward, shattering three lines of Russian infantry with an awe-inspiring display of power. Such a spectacle surely struck fear into even the bravest soldiers. This bold act of courage electrified the morale of the French forces, proving that true leadership in the face of adversity can spark extraordinary achievements!

The Assembly Process

As I opened the box and spread out the pieces of the resin figure, a wave of excitement washed over me, a feeling every model builder knows well! The intricate details of the Grenadier à Cheval uniform were so realistic and recognizable, making the assembly a breeze. But the real thrill was capturing Lepic's fierce spirit in his facial expression and crafting an authentic terrain base!

Over three weeks, I meticulously honed in on these two aspects. The expression on his face was vital; I aimed to capture the audacity and resolve that defined Colonel Lepic. After careful consideration, I chose a pinkish hue for his skin tones. This color not only reflected the biting cold but also conveyed the intensity of his determination.

A detailed miniature depicting Louis Lepic leading a cavalry charge at the Battle of Eylau, showcasing his distinctive uniform and commanding presence on horseback.

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Creating the Terrain Base

Constructing the terrain base added another layer of complexity to the project. I wanted to realistically recreate the snow-covered battlefield where Lepic and his cavalry achieved their victory. My approach began with a base made from dried ground coffee mixed with white PVA glue. This mixture provided texture and a historical feel, simulating the muddy ground they battled on.

For the snow, I used a blend of baking soda and thick PVA glue, which effectively mimicked the heavy snow blanketing Eylau’s battlefield. Once I applied this mixture, I positioned the horse carefully and lightly sprinkled more baking soda on top. This attention to detail ensured the figure blended seamlessly with the snowy landscape, making it look alive.

The Finished Product

After completing the painting and assembly, I took a step back to appreciate my work. This project had been a rewarding experience. The figure of Colonel Louis Lepic became an embodiment of leadership and bravery in my collection, proudly displayed on my desk.

For nearly three years, this figure has been a daily reminder of Colonel Lepic’s remarkable audacity. It represents an extraordinary moment in history, brought to life through artistry and craftsmanship.

Every Figure Tells a Story

Reflecting on this journey through assembly and painting reveals how each figure tells a unique story. Collecting historical figures like this one transcends mere hobby—it merges a passion for history with the joy of creativity.

Colonel Louis Lepic and his elite cavalry represent a significant chapter in Napoleonic history, defined by valor and daring. With every stroke of paint and each detail, I breathed life into the resin model, transforming it from a simple figure into an engaging piece of storytelling.

For those of us fascinated by history and model-building, the creations we bring to life become cherished artifacts of time. They serve as reminders that through love and passion, we can preserve history, one figure at a time.