Le Triomphe de Voltaire
1778/79
Medium
Etching on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
Image: 39.8 × 58.8 cm (15 11/16 × 23 3/16 in.); Image with text and vignette: 49.7 × 60.4 cm (19 5/8 × 23 13/16 in.); Plate: 50.8 × 60.9 cm (20 × 24 in.); Sheet: 59.5 × 87.2 cm (23 7/16 × 34 3/8 in.)
Classification
etching
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
148554
Art Historical Context
Created in 1778/79, shortly after Voltaire’s death, *Le Triomphe de Voltaire* celebrates the French philosopher’s enduring legacy during the height of the Enlightenment. The title, meaning “The Triumph of Voltaire,” suggests an allegorical scene honoring his literary achievements, wit, and defense of reason. As a print issued in multiple impressions, the work allowed viewers across Europe to participate in the public veneration of one of the era’s most influential thinkers. Executed as an etching on ivory laid paper, the medium was ideally suited for capturing fine detail while enabling wide ...