Artwork

Allocution (July 28, 1830)

Allocution (July 28, 1830), by Nicolas Toussaint Charlet, 1830
Allocution (July 28, 1830), by Nicolas Toussaint Charlet, 1830

Allocution (July 28, 1830) is a print by the Romanticist artist Nicolas Toussaint Charlet. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The title says it’s from July 28, 1830, and the text below looks like a speech or protest.

This sketch shows a group of rough-looking men in a rocky, messy street. One guy in the front points at something while holding a rifle. Another holds a flag with words on it. In the background, soldiers on horses and a crowd are near a building with a tower.

The title says it’s from July 28, 1830, and the text below looks like a speech or protest. The artist drew quick, rough lines to show action and emotion.

Look up Romanticism next to see how this style used drama and everyday people.

Overview

Allocution (July 28, 1830) is a print by Nicolas Toussaint Charlet, created in 1830 and held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a chaotic street scene with rough-looking men, one of whom points a rifle while another holds a flag with text. The title references a specific date, and accompanying text appears to be a speech or protest statement, suggesting a connection to a historical event.

Technique & Style

Charlet's use of quick, rough lines conveys a sense of action and emotion, characteristic of the Romantic style, which often emphasized drama and the everyday experiences of ordinary people.

Context

The work is dated to July 28, 1830, a time of significant social and political upheaval in France, suggesting that the print may be related to the July Revolution of 1830.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Nicolas Toussaint Charlet

Artist

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet

Nicolas-Toussaint Charlet was a French painter and printmaker, more especially of military subjects.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.