11/12

About this artwork

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet’s *11/12* (1837) is a striking lithography measuring 231 mm high by 299 mm wide, part of what appears to be a numbered series—likely the eleventh in a set of twelve prints. Created France’s July Monarchy, a period of political transition and nostalgia for Napoleonic glory, this work exemplifies Charlet’s mastery of the medium. A veteran of Napoleon’s campaigns, Charlet1792–1845) was renowned for his lively depictions of soldiers, blending humor, satire, and historical reverence in his prints. Lithography, pioneered in the late 18th century, allowed artists like Charlet to draw directly on stone for affordable, high-quality reproductions, revolutionizing printmaking. His fluid lines and expressive details captured the camaraderie and grit of military life, making his works popular among the bourgeoisie and veterans alike. This technique’s scalability helped disseminate Romantic-era imagery, preserving cultural memory of France’s imperial past. As a modest yet poignant sheet, *11/12* invites viewers to reflect on 19th-century France’s enduring fascination with heroism and everyday valor. Charlet’s contributions bridged fine art and popular culture, offering an accessible window into a transformative era.