Author(s):
lesueur, jean-baptiste (paris, in 1749 - plailly, in 1826), designer
other title: suite de l'armée parisienne. (inscribed title (letter))
date of production: between 1789 and 1792
type(s) of object(s): drawing, graphic arts
name(s): drawing
dimensions - artwork:
height: 36cm
width: 53. 5cm
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, labels with handwritten legends in ink. Above: “suite of the parisian army”; under each soldier, from left to right: "first uniform of the veterans / it was changed. There were / 300 serving with / the governors [sic]. Daytime only / because of their age"; "second uniform of / veterans"; "battalion flag bearer. / such were the first flags. / various ornaments [sic] were added / and the three / colors were arranged differently [sic]. "; “each company had a / flame, which was very brilliant / when the army was on its feet. ”; "drum"; “drum major”; "gendarmerie for the guard / of ports and courts". \ inscription in ink
inscription - on the front of the old montage, top right, handwritten label in ink: "6th sheet" \ inscription in ink
stamp - front: "carnavalet"
iconographic description:
group of figures: national guard, veteran, battalion standard bearer, drummer, drum major, gendarmerie, uniform, tricorn, cockade, sabre, rifle, pike, cane, flag; french revolution. Historical commentary:
this plate shows the different uniforms of the national guard - bourgeois parisian militia commanded by la fayette - lined up like toy soldiers. 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. Acquisition mode: dation
name of donor, testator, seller: bidault de l'isle, georges
date of acquisition: 17–10–1977
institution: carnavalet museum, history of paris
inventory number: d. 9060. Date: between 1789 and 1792.
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