Author(s):
lesueur, jean-baptiste (paris, in 1749 - plailly, in 1826), designer
date of production: around 1793 — 1794
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:
inscription - on the front of the old montage, handwritten label in ink: "79th sheet"
legend - on the front of the old montage, top left, label with handwritten caption in ink: "in the vendée, brigans want to cut down [sic] the tree of liberty, young people / girls by dint of prayers [sic], and tears prevent them. ". Iconographic description:
scene: woman, brigand, royalist, tree of liberty, flag, red cap, axe, city, fire, landscape, patriotism, vendée war; french revolution. Historical commentary:
lesueur depicts counter-revolutionary violence. But even more, it exalts the civic courage of young citizens defending, at the risk of their lives, this strong symbol of the revolution, the tree of liberty. 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. 9101. Date: Vers 1793 — 1794.
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