Artwork
Charlotte Corday
Charlotte Corday is a paint print by the Romanticist artist Pierre-Michel Alix. It dates from 1793 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Charlotte Corday is a portrait print created by French engraver Pierre-Michel Alix in 1793, utilizing color wash manner on wove paper. The work is a small, oval depiction of its subject.
Subject & Meaning
The print portrays Charlotte Corday, a notable figure of the French Revolution. Her attire—a white cap, high-necked dress, and red shawl—suggests a deliberate representation of modesty and revolutionary association. The calm expression, achieved through soft colors and gentle shading, may imply a nuanced characterization.
Technique & Style
Alix employed color wash manner on wove paper, resulting in a softly rendered image with subtle shading. The plain, dark background emphasizes the subject's face, underscoring the portrait's focus.
History & Provenance
Produced in 1793, Charlotte Corday is part of Alix's oeuvre of Revolutionary and Napoleonic era portraits. The print is housed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., alongside holdings in the Louvre's Cabinet des estampes and the Bibliothèque nationale in France.
Context
Created during the French Revolution, the portrait reflects Alix's specialization in depicting key figures of the period. Charlotte Corday's historical significance is highlighted by her inclusion in Alix's work.
Legacy
As part of Alix's body of work, Charlotte Corday contributes to the visual record of the French Revolution's personalities. Its preservation in major institutions ensures ongoing access for historical and artistic study.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pierre-Michel Alix (1762 – 27 December 1817) was a French engraver. He studied under Jacques-Philippe Le Bas and was best known for his portraits of notable figures during the French Revolution and First French Empire.…
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