General Maximilien Sébastien Foy (1775 - 1825), French Revolutionary Wars, Peninsular War and Battles of Quatre Bras & Waterloo. A French 19th Century Bronze Inkwell Surmounted by a Bust of General Foy. The Cylindrical Column Applied with Gilt Metal Martial Trophies and a Classical Caduceus of Hermes, Emblematic of Eloquence, Commerce and Diplomacy. Raised on a Brass Socle Cast with a Scale Pattern, on a Square Bronze Base. The Interior Fitted with Two Glass Inkwells and Pounce Pot. The bust can be moved to face either the gilt metal triumphal regalia or the Caduceus of Hermes, as per the first two photos.
Foy was a French artillery officer from 1792 but suspended by the Revolutionary Tribunal for openly expressing his political views. Foy saw much action during the Peninsular War. In 1807 he was wounded at the Battle of Vimeiro, while serving under Junot. Promoted to Général de Brigade in 1808, he fought under Soult against the British and General Moore at the Battle of Corunna. Defeated at Porto, he was taken prisoner by the Portuguese militia before being rescued by French troops. He was made Baron de l'Empire in 1810 but was badly wounded at Bussaco. He distinguished himself at the 1812 Battle of Arapiles, covering the army's retreat, but was wounded again during the Battle of Garcia Hernandez. In 1813, he was victorious at the Battle of Maya, but was pushed back to the Nive and wounded at Orthez in February 1814.
He returned to Napoleon's side in March 1815, following the Emperor's abdication. He fought at Quatre-Bras and Waterloo in June 1815, where he received a bullet to the shoulder in the area around the Hougoumont farmstead. He was one of Napoleon's most notable officers.
Approximate weight is 990 grams.
Approximate dimensions are 18 cm height and 9 cm base length/width.
In good condition with age related wear and patina.
