Portret van Pierre Daumesnil
in or after 1818 - in or before 1842
Medium
lithography
Dimensions
274; 178
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
collector's mark: Lugt 2228a
Art Historical Context
**Portrait of Pierre DaumesnilThis striking lithograph, titled *Portret van Pierre Danil*, captures the likeness of the French military hero Pierre Daumesnil, a Napoleonic general known for his. Created anonymously but associated with the printer veuve Delpech (Naudet), it dates from between 1818 and1842—a period when lithography flourished as a revolutionary printing technique. Measuring 274 mm high by 178 mm wide, this compact portrait exemplifies the medium's rise in the early 19th century, allowing for detailed, affordable reproductions that brought heroic figures into homes and collections across Europe. Lithography, invented around 1798, relied on the chemical properties of grease and water on limestone to produce nuanced tonal effects, making it ideal for sensitive portraits like this one. The work bears a collector's mark (Lugt 2228a), indicating its presence in a distinguished private collection, underscoring its value among connoisseurs of Romantic-era prints. In an age of national pride and remembrance after the Napoleonic Wars, such images preserved the legacy of figures like Daumesnil, blending artistry with cultural commemoration for a broadening audience.