French Habits, No. 2 - Les Membres du Conseil des Anciens
Original title: French Habits, No. 2 - Les Membres du Conseil des Anciens
kurzbeschreibung
Unlike many prints of the period that isolate a single figure, James Gillray's 1798 etching French Habits, No. 2 – Les Membres du Conseil des Anciens brings together three men in historical robes. They belong to the French Council of Ancients, a chamber of the Directory. This impression is hand-colored and in landscape format.
Description
Three men occupy the middle of an almost mirror-like layout. Their purple and pink gowns are trimmed with frills and ribbons, and they wear matching headpieces. The central figure holds a book and appears to speak while the other two listen. The faces are expressive, and the postures suggest a discussion. A plain dark background makes the figures stand out.
Context
The print appeared in 1798, during the war between Britain and France. Gillray mocked the French government, specifically the Council of Ancients, which was regarded as the moderate chamber of the Directory. The French Habits series took aim at French customs and institutions from a British perspective.
Impact
The symmetrical arrangement and strong colors give the image a calm yet ironic tone. Expressive faces and the robes create a mix of dignity and absurdity typical of Gillray's satirical style.
Technique
An etching that was subsequently colored by hand. The colors look lively but not exaggerated and are carefully applied. This is a trimmed impression mounted on a backing sheet; it measures 23.5 x 17.5 cm.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)