Author(s):
lesueur, jean-baptiste (paris, in 1749 - plailly, in 1826), designer
date of production: between 1794 and 1796
type(s) of object(s): drawing, graphic arts
name(s): drawing
dimensions - artwork:
height: 35. 6cm
width: 53. 2cm
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 legend in ink: "a citizen worker [sic] from the false bourg [sic] of the temple returned home very sad at not having obtained a job. / she found an assignat of 25. Francs. Which made her very happy; but reflecting that the one who had lost it / was perhaps more unhappy than her: not wanting to profit about the misfortune of another, she did so much research / that she learned that it belonged to a poor carpenter without work, and having 4 children [sic] she ran to take it to him / the carpenter said to her citizen i would have great pleasure in sharing it with you, but you see my children [sic] i / only have that to support them. This woman was very happy to have been able to [sic]. Do this good deed. "
inscription - on the front of the old montage, top right, handwritten label in ink: "82nd sheet". \ inscription in ink
iconographic description:
scene: woman, worker, man, carpenter, child, workbench, faubourg du temple, saw, wood, assignat, doll, games, charity, 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: 01–01–2007
institution: carnavalet museum, history of paris
inventory number: d. 15867. Date: between 1794 and 1796.
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