Author(s):
grandville (nancy, 15–09–1803 - vanves, 17–03–1847), designer
bulla, joseph, editor
langlumé, pierre (poitiers, 1790 - 1830), designer-lithographer
other title: the metamorphoses of the day (title of the series)
production date: between 1828 and 1829
type(s) of object(s): graphic arts, print
name(s): print
materials and techniques: lithography
dimensions - artwork:
height: 25. 9cm
width: 34. 2cm
dimensions - picture:
height: 17. 1cm
width: 20. 2cm
dimensions - mounting:
height: 50cm
width: 40cm
marks, inscriptions, hallmarks:
signature - j. Grandville
letter - metamorphoses of the day, n°24
letter – ah! no matter how much you grunt, you have to dance too. Oh ! it is in vain you grumble you must dance also [. . . ]
registration - at bulla, rue st jacques n°38, and at martinet, rue du coq. Inscription - lith. By langlumé
iconographic description:
during a dance class, four people try dancing to the sound of a violin. In the center of the image, a young man with the head of a deer and playing the violin leaps gracefully. On the right, two young girls dressed in simple dresses and scarves tied around their shoulders sketch a first dance step, they have the heads of grasshoppers. On the left, an older couple attempts a sort of waltz, the bear-headed husband seems very awkward while his dog-headed wife guides him by the sleeves. Excerpt from métamorphoses du jour (see la lesson de danse, éditions gustave havard libraire, paris, 1854): "it is a question of providing a graceful turn for these two grasshoppers; and it is not an easy task, it must be admitted. [. . . ] the former butcher is a bit of a bear by nature; and it is only by growling that he lends himself to the whim of his terrible half. [. . . ] it is beautiful to see how the poor professor gets agitated, out of breath, struggles, joining action to word, example to precept, practice to theories. [. . . ] to end up where?. . . I ask you!”
themes / subjects / places represented:
social subject, morals, bear, grasshopper, dancer, violin, grisette, ball
mode of acquisition: purchase
date of acquisition: 21–02–1986
institution: maison de balzac
inventory number: bal925(ad). Date: Entre 1828 et 1829.
Loading...
