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: 34cm
width: 25. 5cm
dimensions - picture:
height: 27. 6cm
width: 20cm
dimensions - mounting:
height: 50cm
width: 40cm
description:
colored lithograph on wove paper. Marks, inscriptions, hallmarks:
title of the work - "conjugal ladder / 1st ascending rung the rapture"
registration concerning the test - "sazerac and duval editor passage de l'opéra staircase a"
author inscription - "wattier delt / lith. De g. Engelmann"
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 designer presents the beginning of passion, “rapture”. The young woman, in a precious outfit made up of a necklace, earrings and a bracelet, her hair pulled back into a bun in a blue flowered headdress, delicately plays the harp, her gaze turned towards the sky. Her long dress with a boat neck and short, puffed sleeves, surrounded at the waist by a blue ribbon, also decorated with flowers, reveals a shoe placed on the harp. A sheet music book lies on the table in the background. The young man, captivated by the music and the ruddy lips of the young girl with an ivory complexion, leans on a chair, carelessly holding his top hat. His dandy outfit is refined, but sober; evidenced by his gloves, his striped vest, his tailcoat and his jabot, as well as the bowed shoes. Hand on hip, her curly hair frames a captivated face, moved by the beginnings of passion. This theme, dear to balzac, is found in one of his first writings: the physiology of marriage. “this expression, honeymoon, is an anglicism that will pass into all languages, as it gracefully depicts the nuptial season, so fleeting, during which life is only sweetness and rapture; it will remain as illusions and errors remain”
themes / subjects / places represented:
social subject, morals, couple, harp, score
mode of acquisition: purchase
institution: maison de balzac
inventory number: bal98. 192. Date: En 1824.
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