Who painted Pas d'Infanterie?

Pas d'Infanterie was painted by Charles Vernier in 1859.

Where can I see Pas d'Infanterie?

Pas d'Infanterie is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Pas d'Infanterie?

Pas d'Infanterie is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Pas d'Infanterie

Charles Vernier , 1859

Pas d'Infanterie is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Vernier. It dates from 1859 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1859, this lithograph titled *Pas d’Infanterie* was produced by French printmaker Charles Vernier. Executed in the lithographic technique, the work presents a bustling interior scene of a social gathering, rendered with swift, gestural lines that convey movement and immediacy.

Subject & Meaning

Central to the scene is a couple whose interaction suggests a formal dance, while surrounding onlookers either observe or join the revelry.

The composition captures a lively dance floor populated by elegantly dressed figures in mid‑step. Central to the scene is a couple whose interaction suggests a formal dance, while surrounding onlookers either observe or join the revelry. The title, translating roughly to “Infantry Step,” hints at a tongue‑in‑cheek comparison between the disciplined march of soldiers and the more fluid motions of ballroom dancing.

Technique & Style

Vernier employed the lithographic process, drawing directly onto a stone or metal plate with greasy media. The resulting image is characterized by loose, sketch‑like strokes that prioritize dynamism over fine detail, a common approach in mid‑19th‑century French prints intended to capture fleeting social moments.

History & Provenance

The print emerged during a period when lithography was gaining popularity for its ability to reproduce contemporary scenes quickly and affordably. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work has been cited in catalogues of Vernier’s oeuvre as an example of his interest in urban leisure activities.

Context

Mid‑19th‑century France saw a proliferation of public balls and salons, venues where the emerging middle class displayed fashion and social status. *Pas d’Infanterie* reflects this cultural milieu, documenting the attire—tall hats, tailored coats, and gowns—and the architectural backdrop of a grand hall illuminated by chandeliers.