Couronnement de Voltaire (The Crowning of Voltaire)

1782

Charles-Etienne Gaucher after Jean-Michel Moreau

Associated Names
Charles-Etienne Gaucher

Artist, French, 1741 - 1804

Jean-Michel Moreau the Younger

Artist After, French, 1741 - 1814

This is a drawing of a theatrical scene titled "Couronnement de Voltaire." The image shows a group of elegantly dressed figures gathered around a central bust or statue in an opulent and classical architectural setting. The setting features grand archways and multi-tiered balconies filled with an audience. The figures are dressed in elaborate costumes reminiscent of 18th-century fashion, and appear to be in a celebratory or ceremonious pose. The scene suggests an event in a grand theater or similar venue, with an audience observing from various levels. The image focuses on the details of the architecture and the costuming of the figures.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Widener Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 33.9 × 36.2 cm (13 3/8 × 14 1/4 in.)
    plate: 26.3 × 29.5 cm (10 3/8 × 11 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1942.9.2442

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bocher 1882, no. 261, State a, v/vii

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1882

  • Bocher, Emmanuel. Jean Michel Moreau le jeune. Les gravures francaises du XVIIIe siecle, 6. Paris: Damascene Morgand et Charles Fatout, 1882.

Inscriptions

recto: at upper left, in graphite, in later hand: Mlle de / Villette / Mme Denis; in plate, below image, at center: COURONNEMENT DE VOLTAIRE / Sur le Théatre Français le 30 Mars 1778 après la sixième representation d'Irène.; in plate, along bottom: A Paris chés l'Auteur rue S.t Jacques, porte Cochère vis a vis S.t Yves. Gravé par Ch. E. Gaucher de l'Acad. des Arts de Londres &c. et d'après le dessein de J. M. Moreau Dessinateur et Graveur du Cabinet du Roi et de l'Acad. Rle de Peinture. Avec Privilege du Roi. 1782.; verso: K305 [circled] / EB 261 / Fr 378 / B-2359

Markings

none

Wikidata ID

Q64954417

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