Attaque de l'Hotel de Ville - Trois glorieuses Circa 1840

The circa 1840 engraving "Attaque de l'Hôtel de Ville - Trois Glorieuses" was engraved by Jean-Pierre-Marie Jazet after an original painting by H. Lecomte. This artwork vividly captures the intensity of the July Revolution of 1830 in Paris, focusing on the attack on the Hôtel de Ville during the insurrection known as Les Trois Glorieuses (The Three Glorious Days). This revolution, which lasted from July 27 to July 29, 1830, resulted in the toppling of King Charles X and the establishment of the July Monarchy under Louis-Philippe I.

In this scene, Hôtel de Ville (Paris City Hall), a central symbol of governance and authority, is under siege by the revolutionaries. The crowd is depicted in the midst of combat, with insurgents taking up arms against royal troops. The French tricolor flag is prominently displayed, symbolizing the revolutionary spirit and the people's demand for liberty. The figures in the foreground, including citizens and soldiers, reflect the diverse group of people involved in the uprising—workers, bourgeoisie, and members of the National Guard—united in their cause.

Jazet's engraving, with its fine attention to detail, encapsulates the drama and urgency of the battle. The figures are shown in dynamic poses, with smoke from gunfire filling the background, evoking the chaos and tension of the moment. The depiction of the flag-bearing revolutionary at the center of the composition reinforces the themes of patriotism and resistance that were so central to this period in French history.

Jean-Pierre-Marie Jazet, one of the most respected engravers of his time, was renowned for his ability to translate large-scale paintings into detailed prints, bringing the drama and emotion of historical events to a wider audience. His collaboration with H. Lecomte, a painter who specialized in historical scenes, resulted in powerful visual narratives that helped immortalize the events of the July Revolution.

The Hôtel de Ville played a crucial role throughout Parisian history, and this engraving stands as a testament to the pivotal moments when citizens of Paris took control of their destiny and altered the course of French history.

This print, along with other engravings by Jazet, remains highly valued by collectors, particularly those with an interest in historical events, revolution, and 19th-century French art.

Engraving (Aquatint)

Military - Paris - Revolution

Painted by H. Lecomte

Good condition, slight creases, dirt