Inhumation des martyrs de la liberté - Trois glorieuses Circa 1840

The circa 1840 engraving titled "Inhumation des Martyrs de la Liberté - Trois Glorieuses", engraved by Jean-Pierre-Marie Jazet after a painting by H. Lecomte, commemorates the solemn and significant burial of the fallen heroes from the July Revolution of 1830. This historic revolution, often referred to as the Trois Glorieuses or "Three Glorious Days," marked the overthrow of the Bourbon monarchy of King Charles X and the rise of Louis-Philippe I as the new ruler of France. The event was pivotal in France's struggle for liberty and the establishment of constitutional monarchy.

In this engraving, the focus is on the funeral procession and burial of those who died fighting for freedom during the revolution. The scene is a powerful tribute to the martyrs who gave their lives in the pursuit of liberty. The revolutionaries—common citizens, members of the National Guard, and workers—who bravely fought on the barricades and streets of Paris are honored here in a grand public ceremony. The engraving portrays the gathering of mourners, with the French tricolor flag flying over the coffins, symbolizing the revolution’s victory and the sacrifices made by these heroes.

The composition is marked by a solemn and respectful atmosphere. Mourners, including citizens and soldiers, are shown paying their respects to the dead, their faces filled with grief but also pride. The somber tone of the event is captured in the details of the engraving: the procession of coffins, the silent gathering of the crowd, and the overwhelming sense of loss that permeates the scene. The flags and revolutionary banners draped over the coffins serve as both a reminder of the fallen and a symbol of hope for the future, as the people of Paris come together to honor their dead.

Jazet’s engraving skillfully captures the emotional weight of the moment, using his renowned attention to detail to render the crowd, the banners, and the coffins with great precision. The engraving exudes a deep sense of respect for the martyrs and their ultimate sacrifice. The large crowd assembled in the streets of Paris reflects the broad public support for the revolution and the solidarity of the citizens in the aftermath of the three-day uprising. The composition emphasizes the unity of the people, who have come together to grieve and to pay homage to the heroes of the revolution.

H. Lecomte, the painter whose work inspired Jazet’s engraving, was known for his focus on key moments in French history, and his depiction of this funeral scene aligns with his artistic style, which sought to immortalize important events and figures. The burial of the revolution’s martyrs was not just a tribute to the dead but also a symbol of the continuity of the fight for liberty, equality, and fraternity—a fight that would continue to shape the political landscape of France for decades to come.

This engraving holds a unique place in the artistic and historical legacy of the July Revolution. By focusing on the funeral rites, it serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of revolution and the deep sense of loss felt by the people of France. At the same time, it celebrates the spirit of resistance and the ultimate triumph of the revolution, which would lead to the establishment of a new government that promised more freedom for the people.

For collectors and historians, the "Inhumation des Martyrs de la Liberté" is a significant piece of 19th-century French art and history. It not only commemorates a key event from the Trois Glorieuses, but it also highlights the profound impact the revolution had on the nation. The engraving by Jazet, executed with the highest level of technical skill, remains an important work for those interested in the visual representation of historical events and the memory of revolution.

Engraving (Aquatint)

Military - Paris - Revolution - France

Painted by H. Lecomte

Good condition, slight creases, a small tear, dirt