Paris c1858 France Death of Etienne Marcel Historical Lithograph Victor Adam

Description

Paris — Etienne Marcel lithograph circa 1858, depicting the assassination of the provost of the merchants in 1358. The composition bears the printed signature “V. Adam” and the printer’s credit “Imp. Lemercier Paris”.

This dramatic historical scene centres on a man raising an axe above Étienne Marcel as armed figures gather around them. Fallen bodies, raised weapons and expressive gestures create a powerful sense of movement and turmoil.

Medieval towers and stone walls form the architectural setting. A banner rises above the figures in the background, while a discarded weapon, a cap and an unrolled document occupy the foreground. These details contribute to the narrative and draw the viewer into the scene.

The drawing pays particular attention to facial expressions, clothing and the movements of the figures. The black printing contrasts with the tinted background, bringing out the folds of the garments, the masonry and the tightly grouped participants.

This Etienne Marcel lithograph offers a nineteenth-century interpretation of a medieval event. The date 1358 in the caption refers to the death of Marcel; the print itself is dated circa 1858.

The caption reads Mort de Marcel Prévôt des Marchands (1358).

Details

Artist: Victor Adam with the printed signature “V. Adam”.
Printer: Lemercier in Paris.
Print date: circa 1858.
Historical event depicted: the death of Étienne Marcel in 1358.
Technique: lithograph with a tinted background.
Sheet dimensions: 28.3 × 21.6 cm.
Image dimensions: 24.8 × 19.7 cm.

Condition

The image is clearly legible and the margins are retained. A fine pale vertical line is visible to the right of centre in the photograph. The photographs form an integral part of the description.

An appealing print for collectors of Parisian history, medieval subjects and nineteenth-century historical illustration. Its dramatic composition and detailed figures make it well suited to framing.