Author(s):
lesueur, jean-baptiste (paris, in 1749 - plailly, in 1826), designer
other titles:
model of the bastille. (inscribed title (letter)), model of the bastille and children's oath. (dummy title)
date of production: between 1790 and 1793
type(s) of object(s): drawing, graphic arts
name(s): drawing
dimensions - artwork:
height: 36cm
width: 53. 5cm
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 left gouache, label with handwritten legend in ink: "model of the bastille. / four men carried this model in the marches / or civic processions. "
legend - on the front of the old montage, under the right-hand gouache, label with handwritten caption in ink: "children's oath. / a military teacher makes his students [sic] take an oath to go and fight / the enemies of france, when they are old enough. "
inscription - on the front of the old montage, top right, handwritten label in ink: "10emefeuille"
stamp - front: "carnavalet"
iconographic description:
scene: model, prison, bastille, sans-culotte, commemoration / scene: child, soldier, wooden saber, cannon, rifle with bayonet, oath; french revolution. Historical commentary:
from the summer of 1789, models of the bastille were made, intended in particular for the 83 newly established departments. They were also worn during festivals, where oaths involving the community, including children, were frequent. 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. 9062. Date: between 1790 and 1793.
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