Author(s):
lesueur, jean-baptiste (paris, in 1749 - plailly, in 1826), designer
other title: the dream of napoleon. (inscribed title (letter))
production date: after 1807
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 gouache, label with handwritten legend in ink: "the dream of napoleon. Allegory / it is supposed that the night which followed the day of marengo, the winner overwhelmed with weariness slept / on the field [sic] of battle; a few bales of straw (sic] on which [sic] a bear skin had been thrown [sic] among / the debris of the artillery of the vanquished: was the bed on which he took a few hours of rest: / victory to provide his favorite with a delicious sleep, announces to him in a dream the / names of the famous victories that he has yet to win. ". \ inscription in ink
inscription - on the front of the old montage, handwritten label in ink: "81st sheet" \ inscription in ink
iconographic description:
allegorical scene: napoleon, first consul, lying down, victory, helmet, putto, flag, crown, cloud, straw, skin, bear, cannon, barrel of powder, grapeshot boxes, esponton; dream, battle, marengo, austerlitz, jena, preussich-eylan (eylau), friedland; consulate, first empire. 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: 1989
institution: carnavalet museum, history of paris
inventory number: d. 13177. Date: after 1807.
Loading...
