Author(s):
lesueur, jean-baptiste (paris, in 1749 - plailly, in 1826), designer
date of production: between 1789 and 1795
type(s) of object(s): graphic arts, drawing
name(s): drawing
materials and techniques: gouache
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:
legend - on the front of the old montage, under gouache, label with handwritten caption in ink: "patriotic women's club. / patriotic women had formed [sic] a club in which no other [sic] was admitted; / they had their president and secretaries [sic]; we met twice a week, the president / read the sessions of the national convention [sic], we approved or criticized his decrees / these ladies animated by the zeal of beneficence made among themselves [sic] a collection which was distributed to / families of good patriots who need [sic] help. \ inscription in ink
inscription - on the front of the old montage, top right, handwritten label in ink: "59th sheet". \ inscription in ink
stamp - front: "carnavalet"
stamp - "ml"
iconographic description:
scene: woman, reading, newspaper "le moniteur", headdress, broken bell, coin, offering, club; french revolution. Historical commentary:
extremely rare representation of a women's club during the revolution, also devoid of misogyny. Citizens calmly read and comment on political activity (newspaper), and engage in civic charity (fundraising). 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. 9092. Date: between 1789 and 1795.
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