Author(s):
lesueur, jean-baptiste (paris, in 1749 - plailly, in 1826), designer
date of production: between 1793 and 1794
type(s) of object(s): drawing, graphic arts
name(s): drawing
dimensions - artwork:
height: 35. 5cm
width: 53cm
dimensions - mounting:
height: 50cm
width: 65cm
description:
set of 83 known revolutionary gouaches, including 73 preserved at the carnavalet museum. Marks, inscriptions, hallmarks:
legend - on the front of the old montage, under each gouache, labels with captions handwritten in ink: from left to right: "jacobin terrorist exalting [sic] / marat's journal. "; "enraged patriot. These men, exalted / by reading marat's journal, / went shouting that it was necessary [sic] to kill all / the aristocrats and the rich. "; "terrorist reading a / newspaper, and unhappy with / what it contains. "; "jacobin reflecting / on the way of / governing france. "; "terrorist of robespierre's time / paid to stir up quarrels / and cause [sic] arrests". \ inscription in ink
inscription - on the front of the old montage, handwritten label in ink: "25th sheet". \ inscription in ink
iconographic description:
group of figures: jacobin, terrorist, patriot, sans-culottes, sectionaries, marat's newspaper "l'ami du peuple", "journal du matin", costume, red cap, cockade, hat, saber, press; french revolution. Historical commentary:
all of lesueur's gouaches preserved at the carnavalet museum constitute a unique testimony to the revolutionary period. A sort of diary in images, the technique in which it is produced, as well as its scale, suggest a public, theatrical or "museographic" function. These small paintings and - a little differently - the texts which accompany them, reflect the varied feelings, sometimes enthusiastic, sometimes reproachful, of the parisian petty bourgeoisie facing the revolutionary event and daily life. Historical scenes, more innocuous skits, or isolated characters like military figurines are captured with liveliness, accuracy of observation, sense of color and layout which give them great flavor. The undeniable documentary interest of the series is particularly clear with regard to sans-culottes, the army, women, costume; but also mentalities and their evolution in the political situation of the years 1789-1806, and this with all the more force as the gouaches were painted immediately after the event or the fact that they represent. Mode of acquisition: purchase
date of acquisition: 01–01–2007
institution: carnavalet museum, history of paris
inventory number: d. 15871. Date: between 1793 and 1794.
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