Author(s):
monnier, henry bonaventure (paris, 07–06–1799 - paris, 03–01–1877 — 3–6–1877), designer
gaugain, henri-armand pierre, designer-lithographer
other title: galerie théâtrale (title of the series)
dating in century: 19th century
type(s) of object(s): graphic arts, print
name(s): print
materials and techniques: vellum paper, watercolor, lithography
dimensions - artwork:
height: 25. 7cm
width: 33. 7cm
dimensions - image:
height: 17. 5cm
width: 16. 5cm
dimensions - mounting:
height: 50cm
width: 40cm
description:
colored print
marks, inscriptions, hallmarks:
title of the work - above the image: galerie théâtrale
number - above the image on the right: no. 12
inscription concerning the author - under the image on the left: h. Monnier under the image on the right: imp lith by h. Gaugain
caption - below the image: comedy moms
registration concerning the proof - under the legend: in paris at h. Gaugain & cie rue vivienne n°2 and e. Ardit rue de la currency n°11. Iconographic description:
in the foyer of a theater (or is it the waiting hall of an august institution?) old ladies are deep in conversation. They have formed a circle in their chairs and lean towards each other to better hear gossip and stories. In the background two men in coach uniforms are also chatting while three other women do the same. These may be dowagers, governesses and servants responsible for accompanying their young mistresses to the show and who wait, not having access to the room. Actor, playwright and designer, henry monnier helped illustrate la comédie humaine. His engravings of administrative morals, and especially his play scenes from bureaucratic life, clearly inspired balzac for his novel la femme supérieure, renamed les employés. The same references to the customs of their time often inspired the two artists in parallel on numerous subjects as we can see in the following extract: "this fatal word: -- 'there is only one prince who can marry mademoiselle evangélista!' bothered, carefully inflamed this opinion with perfidious remarks. " [excerpt from the marriage contract, by honoré de balzac]
themes / subjects / places represented:
subject of society, morals, old woman, theater
institution: maison de balzac
inventory number: bal89. 98. Date: Unknown.
Loading...
