A Grande Armée camp cook over a pot, long ladle in hand, apron and rolled sleeves. Half-soldier, half-cook - the figure every campaign needed and every diary remembered. Period: Napoleonic Era, 1799-1815.
French camp cooking was platoon-level (ordinaire): a few men around a pot of soupe and bread, sometimes meat. Cooks were nominated from the ranks; supply was largely lived off the land, especially after 1812.
Painting tips
- Coat or shirt: muted blue or off-white linen.
- Apron: dirty off-white, soot at the front.
- Ladle: dark steel, warm wood handle.
- Optional pot beside in dark iron with food-stain wash.
Historical sources & further reading
- Grande Armée field rations and ordinaire system
- Napoleonic camp diaries
⚠ Small parts. Not suitable for children under 14.
