Je suis Ménétrier, BAL2007.58, En 1828

Author(s): monnier, henry bonaventure (paris, 07–06–1799 - paris, 03–01–1877 — 3–6–1877), designer gérard (designer), designer-lithographer other title: songs of béranger (title of the series) production date: in 1828 dating in century: 19th century type(s) of object(s): graphic arts, print name(s): print materials and techniques: laid paper, watercolor dimensions - artwork: height: 15. 2cm width: 22. 5cm dimensions - album: height: 15. 7cm width: 24cm description: colored engraving marks, inscriptions, hallmarks: title of the work - under the image: i am ménétrier inscription concerning the author - under the image on the left: henry monnier author inscription - under the image on the right: lith. Gérard, joinville. Iconographic description: a stout lady sits in the center of a living room where a ball is taking place. A violinist is playing, some guests are seated, others standing. Illustration of the words of béranger's song "je suis ménétrier" of which here is an extract: "pleasure of others caresses me; a bow serves me best. Already the wild youth forgives me for being old. Young ladies and grisettes, my last moments are yours. Come on, gay! dance, little girls! let your mothers talk. "béranger (1780-1857) is a prolific and extremely popular french singer to whom balzac references it in several of his novels. "this worthy gentleman particularly hated priests, he was part of this large herd of simpletons who subscribed to the constitutionnel, and was very concerned about the refusal of burials. He adored voltaire, although his preferences were for piron, vadé, collé. Naturally he admired béranger, whom he ingeniously called the high priest of lisette's religion. His daughters, madame camusot and madame protez, his two sons, would be, according to a popular expression, fallen from their height, if someone had explained to them what their father meant by: singing about mother godichon!” [excerpt from a beginning in life, by honoré de balzac] themes / subjects / places represented: literary scene, ball, violin, musician mode of acquisition: purchase institution: maison de balzac inventory number: bal2007. 58. Date: En 1828.