Important 19th Century Ink Drawing Of A Family~Sold~

An impressive and very detailed French School Ink Drawing and Grey Wash masterpiece showing an Aristocrat Family anxiously gazing out of a window while huddled inside of a beautifully decorated living room.
Titled ‘Awaiting the Revolutionaries’ this masterful drawing perfectly depicts the anguish of a well off family during the ‘Terror’ years of the French Revolution…
The Drawing is early 19th century, probably done during the ‘Restoration’ years between 1814 and 1830.

The well dressed father is scornful yet seems unafraid. There is no pretence here, at being of a lesser level to escape the guillotine.
The elaborate costume is still there and so is the wig.
The three daughters however cower around him and seem much more afraid despite the father’s resolution.

The mother is huddled behind, leaning in a ‘bergère chair’ and holding her head in her hands.

Contrasting the sadness of the scene, the artist rendered in lovely details the décor of the stately living room!
From the beautifully carved wood console against the wall, to the delicate stucco work and paintings on the walls, the elaborate sconces and finally, the beautiful Aubusson carpet.
This is a setting easily recognizable for those who are familiar with the lovely old houses in Aix en Provence or even Marseille or for that mater Paris of course.
The drawing gives out an impression of regret, and a longing on the artist’s part for an era gone by.

The drawing is extremely well preserved and framed in a simple yet old gilt wood baguette from the early 19th century.
It is signed but the signature has not been identified.
The drawing was appraised by the Cabinet de Bayser under the number 349/33.

This Ink Drawing and Grey Wash was acquired in Anjou in February 2018

The Frame is 21.25 inches high and 16.15 inches large
The Drawing is 11.02 inches high and 7.08 inches large

Reference number: R-153