Author(s):
lesueur, jean-baptiste (paris, in 1749 - plailly, in 1826), designer
other titles:
costumes of the members of the executive board. (inscribed title (letter)), council of elders. (inscribed title (letter))
date of production: between 1796 and 1797
type(s) of object(s): drawing, graphic arts
name(s): drawing
dimensions - artwork:
height: 36cm
width: 53. 5cm
dimensions - mounting:
height: 50cm
width: 65cm
description:
set of 83 known revolutionary gouaches, including 73 preserved at the carnavalet museum. Marks, inscriptions, hallmarks:
inscription - on the front of the old montage, top right, handwritten label in ink: "64th sheet". Legend - on the front of the old montage, under the left gouache, label with handwritten legend in ink: "council of 500. ". Legend - on the front of the old montage, under the central gouache, label with handwritten legend in ink: "costumes of members of the executive board. / daily costume. Ceremony costume. ". Legend - on the front of the old montage, under the gouache on the right, handwritten label in ink: "council of the elders. ". Inscription - on the front, under the left gouahce, inscription in ink: "nº52. Members of the executive directory in grand costume. These costumes were abolished by the revolution of 18 brumaire year 8. After the return from egypt [sic] of general buonaparte. Ordinary costume year 4. ". Iconographic description:
group of figures: man, civilian uniform, scroll, / daily suit, ceremonial suit, chaise longue, desk, book; 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: 01–09–2002
institution: carnavalet museum, history of paris
inventory number: d. 14950. Date: between 1796 and 1797.
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