Author(s):
wattier, émile charles (paris, 17–11–1800 - paris, 22–11–1868), designer-lithographer
engelmann, godefroy (mulhouse, 17–08–1788 - paris, 25–04–1839), engraver
other title: the conjugal ladder (title of the series)
production date: in 1824
dating in century: 19th century
type(s) of object(s): graphic arts, print
name(s): print
materials and techniques: lithography, vellum paper
dimensions - artwork:
height: 34. 2cm
width: 25. 2cm
dimensions - image:
height: 26. 3cm
width: 18. 7cm
dimensions - mounting:
height: 50cm
width: 40cm
description:
lithograph on wove paper. Marks, inscriptions, hallmarks:
title of the work - "conjugal ladder"
legend - “1st step down / boredom”
author inscription - under the image on the left: "wattier delt / under the image on the right: "lith. By g. Engelmann" / under the caption on the right: "sazerac and duval publisher passage de l'opéra staircase a"
iconographic description:
emille wattier suggests following the evolution of a couple, by establishing two series of eight illustrations – i. Illusions, ii. The realities - where each corresponds to a level, either ascending or descending, of a stage in the lives of the two lovers. Here, the artist presents the beginning of decadence for the couple: boredom. On a couch, while the woman is half lying down yawning, her husband, with his cap covering his eyes, is dozing against the armrest, his two arms as a pillow. His folded legs rest on a small stool. His cap and jacket are blue. His companion drops a half-open book, tired of her reading, and, by extension, of her husband. With curly blond hair hidden under a white kerchief, she casually extends one leg on the couch, while the second slides to the floor. This theme, dear to balzac, is found in one of his first writings: the physiology of marriage. “your wife is bored and permitted happiness no longer holds any appeal for her. »
themes / subjects / places represented:
social subject, morals, couple, sofa, sleep, reading
mode of acquisition: purchase
institution: maison de balzac
inventory number: bal98. 201. Date: En 1824.
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