page_title: Garde du Corps (France)
section_title: Composition and military quality
hierarchical_section_title: Garde du Corps (France) / History / Composition and military quality
caption_attribution_description: English: France, Paris, after 1685, bound 1703-1704 Prints Hand-colored engraving on paper Sheet: 14 3/8 x 9 3/8 in. (36.51 x 23.81 cm); Composition: 10 5/8 x 7 5/8 in. (26.99 x 19.37 cm) Purchased with funds provided by The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. H. Tony Oppenheimer, Mr. and Mrs. Reed Oppenheimer, Hal Oppenheimer, Alice and Nahum Lainer, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Oppenheimer, Ricki and Marvin Ring, Mr. and Mrs. David Sydorick, the Costume Council Fund, and member of the Costume Council (M.2002.57.103) Costume and Textiles
context_page_description: The Gardes-du-Corps was the senior formation of the King of France's Household Cavalry within the Maison militaire du roi de France.
context_section_description: In contrast to other units of the Royal Household such as the French Guards and the Swiss Guards, the Garde du Corps was an exclusively aristocratic corps. Even the rank and file were drawn from families with appropriate social backgrounds. As such they were noted for their courtly manners but less so for their professionalism and military skills.
   Individual courtier guardsmen stationed at Versailles were not subject to regular training beyond ceremonial drill, and extended periods of leave from duty were common. A critical report, dated 1775, concluded that the Body Guard and other "distinguished units with their own privileges are always very expensive - fight less than line troops, are usually badly disciplined and badly trained, and are always very embarrassing on campaign". Officers of the Garde du Corps resented having to wear uniforms (perceived as a form of servant livery) when on duty at Versailles and eventually won the concession of appearing in civilian court dress with their military belts and swords, except when on parade.
caption: Guardsman, ca. 1685
exif: {}