Artwork
L'Absinthe!
L'Absinthe! is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Louis Emile Benassit. It dates from 1862 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Louis‑Emile Benassit’s 1862 lithograph L’Absinthe!
About this work
Overview
The composition depicts a dim interior where a woman in a flowing white dress raises her arms toward the ceiling, while a kneeling man clutches a glass.
Louis‑Emile Benassit’s 1862 lithograph L’Absinthe! is a black‑and‑white print executed on chine collé. The composition depicts a dim interior where a woman in a flowing white dress raises her arms toward the ceiling, while a kneeling man clutches a glass. Two winged children observe nearby, and a formally dressed figure leans against a wall holding a telescope. The title suggests a commentary on the consumption of absinthe.
Subject & Meaning
The work presents a gathering that appears both convivial and uneasy, hinting at the social atmosphere surrounding the popular 19th‑century spirit. The juxtaposition of the solemn woman, the kneeling drinker, and the ethereal children creates a contrast between innocence and intoxication, inviting viewers to contemplate the moral and physiological effects associated with absinthe consumption.
Technique & Style
Created as a lithograph on chine collé, the image combines the fluidity of stone‑based printing with a paper backing that adds subtle texture. Benassit employs a loose, sketch‑like line work that emphasizes atmosphere over precise detail, reinforcing the gritty, nocturnal mood of the scene while maintaining the crisp contrasts characteristic of monochrome lithography.
History & Provenance
L’Absinthe! was produced in 1862, during the height of absinthe’s popularity in France. The print is attributed to Benassit, a French artist known for genre scenes and illustrations. While specific ownership records are limited, the work has appeared in several 19th‑century print collections and remains documented in museum catalogues of French lithography.
Artist & collection
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