16/18

About this artwork

height 364 mm x width 262 mm

Art Historical Context

**16/18 by Nicolas Toussaint Char (1828)** Nicolas Toussaint Charlet a prolific French artist of the early 19th century, captures the spirit of post-Napoleonic France in this striking lithography titled *16/18*. Born in 1792, Charlet renowned for his vivid depictions of soldiers, veterans, and everyday military life, often infused with humor and nostalgia for the Napoleonic era. Working during the Bourbon Restoration, he produced hundreds of lithographs that celebrated the common soldier, earning him the nickname "the French Hogarth" for his satirical edge. At 364 mm high by 262 mm wide, *16/18* exemplifies his mastery of the medium, likely part of a numbered series chronicling these themes. Lithography, pioneered in the late 18th century, revolutionized printmaking by allowing artists like Charlet to draw directly on stone with greasy crayon, producing multiple detailed impressions with a painterly quality. This technique democratized art, making his evocative scenes accessible to a wide audience beyond elite collectors. In 1828, as France grappled with the legacy of empire and political upheaval, Charlet's works offered a poignant reflection on heroism, hardship, and camaraderie. Though specific subject details are elusive, *16/18*'s title hints at its sequence in a larger narrative suite, inviting viewers to ponder the enduring cultural reverence for Napoleon's legions. A gem for history buffs, it bridges fine art and popular print culture.

About the Artist

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet · 1792–1845

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