Artwork
Henri (Bonaventure) Monnier
Henri (Bonaventure) Monnier is a print by the Romanticist artist Paul Gavarni. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Paul Gavarni's 1840 drawing, *L'Artiste* (Henri (Bonaventure) Monnier), is a black-and-white portrait of a solemnly posed man, executed in a style characteristic of the Romantic era. The work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, identified as Henri (Bonaventure) Monnier, is depicted in a contemplative, serious manner, dressed in a high-collared coat, white shirt, and cravat. The title *L'Artiste* suggests the portrayal of Monnier as a figure embodying artistic persona or profession, though the specifics of his connection to the arts are not detailed in the work itself.
Technique & Style
The drawing features a plain background with minimal suggestive lines, focusing attention on the subject. Gavarni's use of black-and-white media and the overall composition align with Romanticism's emphasis on expressive simplicity and emotional depth.
History & Provenance
Created in 1840 by French artist Paul Gavarni, the drawing is signed by the artist. Its current location is The Cleveland Museum of Art, though the full provenance history prior to its acquisition is not provided here.
Context
This work can be contextualized within the broader artistic movement of Romanticism, which valued intense emotion, individualism, and often, the portrayal of artists or intellectual figures. For further exploration of similar styles, examining works under the Romanticism movement is recommended.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul Gavarni was the pen name of Sulpice Guillaume Chevalier (13 January 1804 – 24 November 1866), a French illustrator, born in Paris.
William Richard Hamilton (1777-1859)
William E. Burton, Esq., Comedian
Gabriel V. Ludlow
Hon. Stephen A. Douglas
Casimir Le Conte
Gentlemen of the Press: Théodore de Banville
The Artist's Father, William Hunt
Frederick Augustus Jones
John Syng Dorsey, M.D.
Amiral de Rigny
H Beard Print Collection
Self-Portrait in the Role of M. Prud'homme