Study for "The Enrollment of the Volunteers of 1792"

Thomas Couture

ca. 1848–51 · Black chalk · Drawings and Prints

Following the Revolution of 1848, the new Second Republic government commissioned Couture to paint "The Enrollment of the Volunteers of 1792" for the Hall of Sessions of the National Assembly. The government sought a unifying message of patriotism by highlighting a historical moment when, amid the turbulence of the Revolution initiated in 1789, Frenchmen of many classes came together in defense of the Republic, then at war with Austria. This study for the left portion of the composition lays out the frieze-like procession of the volunteers. The workmen strain with the labor of pulling a cannon forward, while a young aristocrat following at their heels raises his arm with enthusiasm.

Artist

Thomas Couture

Date

ca. 1848–51

Medium

Black chalk

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1960