La Treille , The Trellis, was created by the French artist and illustrator, Maurice Tranchant, and dates back to 1964.

At the center of this carre, is an early 19th century, Napoleonic French Hussar on his steed and a vivandière by his side.

Although the Hussars were the last horsemen to join the French cavalry, these Hungarian deserters, had quite the reputation for not just their outlandish attire, but arrogance and brutality on the battlefield.

The vivandière’s original job was to supply the French military with wine. This duty later expanded to providing other provisions and the vivandière became a cantinière. These woman were civilian merchants, who followed the troops and sold goods to them as needed.

Although I love several of Maurice Tranchant’s compositions, including Les Amoureux de Paris, Grotte de Versailles, Les Jardiniers du Roy and of course the Romantique, I must admit, the La Treille is my personal favorite.