"LA RÉUNION POLITIQUE OU LA LECTURE DU JOURNAL"
[THE POLITICAL MEETING OR READING THE NEWSPAPER]
(Bordeaux 1758- Paris 1836)
Technique: ETCHING [contemporary hand-colours]
La Réunion Politique, ou La Lecture du Journal ("The Political Gathering, or Reading the Newspaper") is one of the satirical prints created by Carle Vernet during the period of the French Directory, around 1797–1799.
It belongs to the same world as Vernet's famous caricatures of the Incroyables and Merveilleuses, fashionable figures whose extravagant manners became symbols of post-Revolutionary society.
The print depicts a crowded exterior in which a group of men have assembled to hear the reading of a newspaper.
Rather than presenting a dignified political meeting, Vernet turns the scene into a comedy of manners.
The figures are exaggerated but not grotesquely distorted.
Their elaborate clothing, oversized hats, high collars, and affected poses identify them as members of the fashionable Directoire elite.
Each character reacts differently to the news being read aloud:
Some lean forward with exaggerated attention.
Others appear confused, skeptical, or distracted.
Several converse among themselves instead of listening.
The gathering seems more interested in social display than genuine political debate.
Vernet's humour is subtle; rather than attacking a particular politician, he mocks the political culture of post-Revolutionary France.
Original etching on copperplate printed on French laid paper with watermark: "GRAPES", finish by attractive contemporary hand-colours.
Published in Paris, c.1798.
Städel Museum Frankfurt conserve the original drawing in reverse, [Inventory Number 16733, Object Number 16773 Z].
SIZE: 257mm(H) x 422mm(L) [sheet]
Excellent impression with attractive contemporary hand-colours.
A tear (55mm) from "politique" to the right foot of the character reading the paper; another tear (20mm) between "Réunion" and "politique".
Folded to insert into a composite album.
Overall in very good condition.