Gaspard GOBAUT (1814-1882). - The first cannon captured from the enemy by Maurice de Mac-Mahon on June 14, 1830. - The last cannon captured in Russia at Malakoff by General de Mac-Mahon on September 8, 1855. Two watercolors enhanced with gouache (minor oxidation on one), signed. 21 x 30 cm each. Biography: Gaspard Gobaut was born in Paris in 1814, and trained in painting and watercolor with the painter Siméon Fort (1793-1861), before performing his military service in the central administration of the Ministry of War. His former chiefs appreciated his work, and in 1836 he was hired as an auxiliary draughtsman at the Dépôt de la Guerre to produce drawings and watercolors of military campaigns. His successive grades attest to his high standards: excellent conduct, perfect education and irreproachable service. But this did not lead to the promotion he had hoped for, much to the regret of his bosses, who praised his zeal and talents year after year: "Mr. Gobaut has long and excellent service, but could not be made section chief because of his special duties". He was promoted to senior draughtsman in 1865, the highest rank in his specialty, and awarded the Legion of Honor in 1871, before passing away in Paris in 1882.