Sheet of Sketches 1829 - 1830

Auguste Raffet made this sheet of sketches sometime in the first half of the 19th century. This was a tumultuous time in French history, marked by revolution, empire, and restoration, and Raffet's sketches offer us a glimpse into the social and political landscape of the era. Notice how Raffet juxtaposes scenes of military life with images of domesticity and everyday life. What might this visual juxtaposition tell us about the relationship between war and society in 19th-century France? Was Raffet critiquing the military ambitions of the time, or celebrating the ordinary people who were caught up in them? To fully understand Raffet's work, we need to delve into the social and institutional context in which it was created. What role did art academies and salons play in shaping artistic production during this period? And how did the rise of print culture influence the dissemination of images and ideas? By consulting primary sources such as letters, diaries, and contemporary accounts, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of Raffet's art and its place in French society.