Achille Deveria

About the Lithograph

This 1838 lithograph depicts a dramatic historical scene from the life of Italian Baroque painter Salvator Rosa (1615-1673). The composition captures the moment when Rosa was captured by Neapolitan bandits and compelled to paint a portrait of the chief's mistress. This episode, whether historical fact or romantic legend, became emblematic of Rosa's reputation as an adventurous and rebellious artist who lived as dramatically as he painted.

The lithograph showcases Achille Devéria's mastery of the medium, demonstrating his ability to blend historical narrative with artistic finesse. The scene captures both the tension of the moment and the intricate details of the characters' expressions and period attire, characteristic of Devéria's work during the height of French Romanticism.

Printed by the renowned Parisian firm Lemercier Benard et Cie, known for their high-quality lithographic prints, the work bears the stamp of François Bulla, a significant publisher of the period. This provenance adds considerable value to the piece as a documented example of French Romantic printmaking.

About the Artist

Achille Devéria (1800-1857) was a prominent French lithographer and painter who became a central figure in the Parisian Romantic movement. Born in Paris in 1800, he trained under notable artists including Anne-Louis Girodet-Trioson and Louis Lafitte, developing a foundation in both academic painting and the emerging art of lithography.

From the 1830s onward, Devéria devoted himself primarily to lithography, a medium in which he achieved exceptional mastery. His lithographs are celebrated for their technical precision, narrative depth, and ability to capture the essence of the Romantic era. He depicted contemporary events, literary subjects, and historical scenes with equal skill, creating an important visual record of French Romantic culture.

Devéria's works served multiple purposes: as fine art prints, as book illustrations, and as popular images that brought Romantic themes to a broader audience. His depictions of historical and literary subjects helped shape the visual language of French Romanticism, influencing both contemporary artists and public taste.

His legacy endures through works held in major institutions including the Louvre and the J. Paul Getty Museum, testament to his significance in 19th-century French art. Devéria died in Paris in 1857, leaving behind an extensive body of lithographic work that continues to be valued by collectors and scholars.

Technical Details

Artist: Achille Devéria (1800-1857)
Subject: Salvator Rosa and the Bandits
Date: 1838
Medium: Lithograph on paper
Printer: Lemercier Benard et Cie, Paris
Publisher: François Bulla
Condition: Very good condition, minor wear on margins
Dimensions: 49 x 38.5 cm / 19¼ x 15¼ in (sheet); 38 x 28.5 cm / 15 x 11¼ in (image)
Frame: 59.5 x 49 cm / 23½ x 19¼ in, wood and glass, very good condition
Origin: France
Collections: Works by Devéria held at the Louvre and J. Paul Getty Museum
Sources: Laure Beaumont-Maillet (1985). Achille Devéria, witness of Parisian romanticism; Maximilien Gauthier (1925). Achille et Eugène Devéria; Dictionnaire des Imprimeurs-lithographes du XIXème siècle

A documented French Romantic lithograph by a master printmaker represented in the Louvre collection.