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: 33. 8cm
width: 25. 5cm
dimensions - picture:
height: 27cm
width: 18. 4cm
dimensions - mounting:
height: 50cm
width: 40cm
description:
lithograph on wove paper. Marks, inscriptions, hallmarks:
title of the work - "marital ladder / 3rd ascending rung / favorable welcome"
author inscription - "wattier delt / lith. De g. Engelmann"
registration concerning the test - "sazerac and duval editor passage de l'opéra staircase a"
iconographic description:
emile 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 a turning point for the passion of the future couple: “the favorable reception”. The intimate atmosphere is created by the subdued light of a lamp which illuminates the two young people. They are installed next to a fireplace on the mantle of which the young man leans. A poker is placed against the glowing embers. The blush rises to the cheeks of the two lovers-to-be. With his hand on his heart, the young dandy, who has put on a waistcoat and a frill under his frock coat, is leaning towards his beauty, one arm on his armchair. He thus testifies to his gratitude and his emotion at the favorable response offered to him by the young woman, who presents him with an open gesture her right arm where the glove has been removed. In profile, her face is smiling, her hair cleverly done up in a bun – earrings match the green of the necklace and her armchair. We can see her small foot under the long pink dress tightened at the waist. This theme, dear to balzac, is found in one of his first writings: the physiology of marriage. “for her, letting herself be won is granting a favor. ”
themes / subjects / places represented:
social subject, morals, fireplace, couple, armchair
mode of acquisition: purchase
institution: maison de balzac
inventory number: bal1998. 194. Date: En 1824.
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