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A Christening in Revolutionary France
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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.
| Artist / Maker | Jean-Baptiste Mallet |
|---|---|
| Date | late 18th century |
| Culture / Origin | France, 19th century |
| Medium | Pen and brown and gray inks and red chalk and watercolor, heightened with white; squaring for transfer |
| Dimensions | Sheet: 33.3 x 44.6 cm (13 1/8 x 17 9/16 in.) |
| Department | Drawings |
| Type | Drawing |
About the Artist
Jean-Baptiste Mallet (French, 1759–1835) Full biography →
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
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