"The Vivandière" from The Complete Works of Béranger 1836

J. J. Grandville created "The Vivandière" as an illustration for The Complete Works of Béranger. The print provides a glimpse into the romanticized, yet complex role of women during the Napoleonic era. Grandville portrays a vivandière, a woman who provided supplies and support to soldiers, standing over a wounded soldier on a battlefield. While seemingly a figure of care, the vivandière’s presence raises questions about women's involvement in war. Were they active participants, or merely relegated to caretaking roles? Her ambiguous gaze leaves us to wonder about the emotional toll of war on these women. This image invites reflection on the intersections of gender, war, and national identity during a tumultuous period in European history. It compels us to consider the lived experiences of women who found themselves on the front lines.