Author(s):
wattier, émile charles (paris, 17–11–1800 - paris, 22–11–1868), designer-lithographer
engelmann, godefroy (mulhouse, 17–08–1788 - paris, 25–04–1839), engraver
other title: the conjugal ladder (title of the series)
production date: in 1824
dating in century: 19th century
type(s) of object(s): graphic arts, print
name(s): print
materials and techniques: lithography, vellum paper
dimensions - artwork:
height: 33. 9cm
width: 25. 5cm
dimensions - picture:
height: 27. 7cm
width: 18. 1cm
dimensions - mounting:
height: 50cm
width: 40cm
description:
lithograph on wove paper. Marks, inscriptions, hallmarks:
title of the work - "the marital ladder/4th ascending rung/the declaration"
author inscription - "wattier delt. / lith. De g. Engelmann"
registration concerning the test - "sazerac and duval editor passage de l'opéra staircase a"
iconographic description:
emile wattier suggests following the evolution of a couple, by establishing two series of eight illustrations – i. Illusions, ii. The realities - where each corresponds to a level, either ascending or descending, of a stage in the lives of the two lovers. Here, the artist presents a crucial scene for the evolution of the couple: “the declaration”. Returning to the music as in the first rung, the young man has abandoned his wise position as listener to throw himself at the feet of the young woman, whose right arm he clasps. One knee on the ground, the young man in a green tailcoat raises a face full of hope towards the young woman. She, who has abandoned the harp in favor of a piano on which a score sits, responds to him with a smile; the hand she places over her heart testifies to her sensitivity to the declaration – she is also holding a glove which we guess is the one she took off her arm held by the young man. Her sweet face is framed by golden curls not held back by her bun. The simplicity of the long dress is enhanced with a black belt and pink shoes. This theme, dear to balzac, is found in one of his first writings: the physiology of marriage. “but this admission of a subordinate love, hatched while growing up among bundles, sugar loaves or flannel vests, is always accompanied by a pompous eulogy of the lady's fortune. »
themes / subjects / places represented:
subject of society, morals, piano, score, couple
mode of acquisition: purchase
institution: maison de balzac
inventory number: bal1998. 195. Date: En 1824.
Loading...
