Achille Deveria

This lithograph entitled "Salvator Rosa and the Bandits" (1838) by Achille Devéria, is a remarkable piece that captures a dramatic historical scene involving the Italian Baroque painter Salvator Rosa. The artwork portrays a moment from Rosa's life where he was captured by Neapolitan bandits and compelled to paint a portrait of the chief's mistress. This moment of artistic creation under duress is a fascinating glimpse into the life of Rosa, who was known for his adventurous and rebellious spirit.

The lithograph itself is a testament to Devéria's skill as a lithographer, a medium he devoted himself to primarily from the 1830s. The piece was printed by the renowned Parisian company Lemercier Benard et Cie, known for their high-quality lithographic prints, and it bears the stamp of François Bulla, a significant publisher of the time.

Achille Devéria (Paris, 1800-1857), who was trained under notable artists such as Anne-Louis Girodet-Trioson and Louis Lafitte, became a prominent figure in the Parisian art scene. His works, particularly his lithographs, are celebrated for their detail and ability to capture the essence of the Romantic era. Devéria's depiction of events and characters from his time serves as an important historical record of the Romantic movement.

This particular lithograph, like much of Devéria’s work, showcases his ability to blend historical narrative with artistic finesse, capturing both the tension of the scene and the intricate details of the characters' expressions and attire. The minor wear on the margins does little to detract from the overall excellent condition of the piece, making it a valuable collector's item, especially given its provenance and the reputation of both the artist and the publisher involved.

Devéria’s works continue to be held in high esteem and are exhibited in major institutions such as the Louvre and the J. Paul Getty Museum, attesting to his enduring legacy in the art world.

Sources: Laure Beaumont-Maillet (1985). "Achille Devéria. Achille Devéria, witness of Parisian romanticism; Maximilien Gauthier (1925). H. Floury (1925) Achille et Eugène Devéria, Paris; Ricochet-jeunes.org; Dictionnaire des Imprimeurs-lithographes du XIXème siècle, ENC; Archives de France. 

Artist: Achille Devéria (1800-1857). 
Medium: Lithograph on paper. 
Condition: Very good condition. 
Dimensions: 49 x 38.5 / 19 ¼ x 15 ¼ in. (sheet) – 38 x 28.5 cm / 15 x 11 ¼ in.(image). 
Frame: 59.5 x 49 cm. / 23 ½ x 19 ¼ in. Wood, glass, very good condition. 
Origin: France.