Artwork Page for A Christening in Revolutionary France

Details / Information for A Christening in Revolutionary France

A Christening in Revolutionary France

late 18th century

Jean-Baptiste Mallet

(French, 1759–1835)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
Pen and brown and gray inks and red chalk and watercolor, heightened with white; squaring for transfer
Support
Measurements
Sheet: 33.3 x 44.6 cm (13 1/8 x 17 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Muriel Butkin 2017.213
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Mallet’s image depicts a Republican baptism ceremony during the French Revolution. The event takes place in a magnificent Gothic church, identifiable as such by its pointed arches and stained glass window. A mother presents her infant to the priest who raises his right hand as he administers the sacrament. Even the musicians pause from playing to watch this spectacle.
A horizontally oriented pen and brown ink drawing with watercolor depicts a crowded baptism in a vaulted church. Centered, a woman in a white dress holds an infant over a font. To the right, a priest in long robes raises his hand toward light streaming from windows. On the far left, musicians with a guitar and harp sit near a wooden pew. Faint, sketchy figures fill the background behind draped gray cloths.

A Christening in Revolutionary France

late 18th century

Jean-Baptiste Mallet

(French, 1759–1835)
France, 19th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork