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A French cantiniere 1890
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A French cantiniere 1890
French cantiniere, named as Madame Vialar, striking a distinctly sassy pose which well displays her two medals; the military medal and the Crimean medal, during the first Franco-Dahomean War. The Graphic titles this image " Madame Vialar, the last of the French cantinieres" and the accompanying article reports on uniform changes in the French army which would replace the distinguished uniform of a cantiniere with plain black dress, romanticising the relationship between the womans uniform, ability to carry out her work and standing in the army. Date: 1890
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Media ID 23268546
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Armies Canteen Canteens Dahomey Females Franco Jul19 Medal Regiment Regiments Uniforms Vivandiere Cantiniere Cantinieres Dahomean
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Madame Vialar: The Last of the French Cantinieres - A Sassy Portrait from the First Franco-Dahomean War (1890) This image, titled "Madame Vialar, the last of the French cantinieres," features a French cantiniere, identified as Madame Vialar, striking a confident and sassy pose while proudly displaying her military and Crimean medals. The photograph, published in The Graphic in 1890, captures the essence of a woman who defied societal norms by serving in the French army during the First Franco-Dahomean War (1892-1894). During this period, French women, such as Madame Vialar, served as cantinieres, providing essential services to the troops by preparing and distributing food and drinks from their mobile canteens. Their distinctive uniforms, consisting of a blue jacket, red waistcoat, and a white apron, were a symbol of their hard work and dedication to the regiment. However, as the French army underwent uniform changes, the cantiniere uniform was replaced with a plain black dress. This transition romanticized the relationship between the women's uniform, their ability to carry out their work, and their standing in the army. Madame Vialar's portrait serves as a poignant reminder of the last days of the cantiniere uniform and the women who wore it with pride. The French army's evolution brought an end to the cantiniere's unique role, but their contributions to the military should not be forgotten. Madame Vialar's sassy pose and the medals she wears symbolize the courage and resilience of these women, who defied expectations and served their country during times of war.
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