Who painted Le Réveil?

Le Réveil was painted by Auguste Raffet in 1828.

Where can I see Le Réveil?

Le Réveil is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Le Réveil?

Le Réveil is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Le Réveil?

Museum-quality prints of Le Réveil are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Le Réveil

Auguste Raffet , 1828

Le Réveil is a print by the Romanticist artist Auguste Raffet. It dates from 1828 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Le Réveil, a lithograph created by French artist Auguste Raffet in 1828, captures a tumultuous battle scene. Characterized by dynamic composition and expressive line work, the piece reflects Raffet's engagement with the visual narratives of early 19th-century France.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a chaotic battlefield where soldiers, identifiable by their tall hats and loose coats, engage in combat. The juxtaposition of the living with the wounded and dead conveys the intensity of struggle and loss, while a standing figure holding a drum introduces a note of defiance amidst despair.

Technique & Style

Raffet employed dark, swirling lines to convey the turmoil and movement of the battle. This expressive technique, typical of his style, enhances the emotional impact of the scene, drawing the viewer into the chaos.

History & Provenance

Created in 1828 by Auguste Raffet, a student of Nicolas Toussaint Charlet, *Le Réveil* is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. Raffet was known for works that looked back on the Empire period, though *Le Réveil*'s specific historical context is not detailed in available information.

Context

*Le Réveil* can be contextualized within the broader artistic movement of Romanticism, which emphasized emotion, drama, and the sublime. Raffet's focus on the dynamic and the emotional aligns with these principles.

Legacy

While *Le Réveil* itself is not highlighted as a landmark work, it contributes to the understanding of Raffet's contribution to French lithography and the visual culture of his time. Its themes and style reflect the ongoing influence of Romantic ideals in early 19th-century art.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Auguste Raffet

Denis Auguste Marie Raffet (2 March 1804 – 16 February 1860) was a French illustrator and lithographer. He was a student of Nicolas Toussaint Charlet, and was a retrospective painter of the Empire.