Author(s):
lesueur, jean-baptiste (paris, in 1749 - plailly, in 1826), designer
other titles:
the french cris. (inscribed title (letter)), citizens shouting “liberty or death”. (dummy title)
date of production: around 1787 — 1797
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 caption in ink: "the french cry / citizens of all states meeting in the streets / came together, and together uttered the terrible cries of / liberty or death. ". \ inscription in ink
legend - on the front of the old montage, under the gouache on the right, label with handwritten caption in ink: "departure for the borders of a citizen / volunteer, accompanied by his wife, his children and a relative, his cousin the / locksmith carries the havresac. ". \ inscription in ink
inscription - on the front of the old montage, top right, handwritten label in ink: "16emefeuille" \ inscription in ink
stamp - front: "carnavalet"
stamp - "ml"
iconographic description:
group of figures: volunteer, sans-culotte, national guard, rifle with bayonet, saber, banner inscribed "liberty or death", mobilization / scene: family, cousin, locksmith, haversack, departure, war; french revolution. Historical commentary:
patriotic and revolutionary mobilization, with the famous motto “liberty or death”; and departure of a volunteer, undoubtedly observed first-hand. 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. 9068. Date: Vers 1787 — 1797.
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