Author(s):
lesueur, jean-baptiste (paris, in 1749 - plailly, in 1826), designer
date of production: between 1795 and 1805
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:
legend - on the front of the old montage, under the two gouaches on the left, labels with handwritten captions in ink, from left to right: "marvelous. . . Incredible. / on the walk. "; “coeffure [sic] à la titus. La tocque en jokais!”. \ inscription in ink
inscription - on the front of the old montage, top right, handwritten label in ink: "50th sheet". \ inscription in ink
inscription - on the back of the montage, behind the second group from the right, handwritten inscription in ink: "hat of the merry one, the schal, and the little pug. Nº27 muscadin in frock coat [sic] braided hair [sic], and dog ears. ". Iconographic description:
group of figures: woman, man, couple, incredible, marvelous, muscadine, antique style, english style, frock coat, shawl, "titus" hairstyle, jockey tocque, hat, cane, monocle, pug, promenade, fashion; consulate. 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. 14944. Date: between 1795 and 1805.
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