Satire print featuring Armand-Gaston Camus [J. MARCHAND, 1797]

Description

Les Degraisses donnant la pelle au cul au Degraisseur.

(The emaciated / victims of starvation giving the shovel to the starvator.) In the center Armand-Gaston Camus (1740-1804), a French revolutionist. He was responsible in the government for cutting retirement pay for both nobility and folks like invalids and veterans. But he also was critical of the Napoleontic regime, refusing to take part. Criticism led to his retreat 1797. This scene show a heavy set Camus holding financial decrees and keys, surrounded by a suffering meagre scientist, retiree and soldiers / invalids.

Etching on hand laid paper.
Sheet size: 42 x 31 cm. Image size: 36,5 x 27 cm.
Published by Marchand in 1797. Ref: This print was part of ‘Schmetterlinge der Revolution’, an early description of 200 French stirical prints by Goethe, 1797. (copy of description included).

Made by J. Marchand after an anonymous artist. Jacques Marchand (1769-) mostly worked as a stipple engraver. He was a pupil of Godefroy.

Condition: Good, given age. Overall light soiling. A few tiny holes. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

Keywords: ARMAND CAMUS-FRENCH REVOLUTION-STARVATION-SATIRE

PCO-E1-14