Author(s):
lesueur, jean-baptiste (paris, in 1749 - plailly, in 1826), designer
other title: manufacture of rifles. (inscribed title (letter))
date of production: between 1792 and 1794
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 gouache, label with handwritten legend in ink: "manufacture of rifles / the fourteen armies that we were obliged to have on foot required [sic] a large quantity of weapons, especially rifles and / bayonets [sic]: we built workshops in various districts of paris, notably all along and on both sides of / avenue des invalides. As well that around the place cy [sic] in front of royale, and other places: in a short time a considerable quantity of workers made such a large number that there was no longer any fear of shortage. " \ inscription in ink
inscription - on the front of the old montage, handwritten label in ink: "22nd sheet". \ inscription in ink
stamp - front: "carnavalet"
iconographic description:
scene: worker, sans-culotte, engineer, gunsmith, forge, bellows, anvil, pincers, hammer, compass, paris; french revolution. Historical commentary:
both a lively and precise representation of an arms workshop during the revolution, this image is a reflection of the formidable french war effort, facing the allied europe. 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. 9073. Date: between 1792 and 1794.
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