15/16

About this artwork

De arbeider wijst op Parijs. Hij vindt de stad maar somber zonder rellen.

Art Historical Context

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet1792–1845), a prolific French lithographer and painter, created *15/16* in 1836, during the turbulent July Monarchy. Known for his witty caricatures and scenes of military life infused with social commentary, Charlet captured the spirit of post-Napoleonic France. This lithograph, measuring 247mm high by 338mm wide, belongs to a series likely chronicling urban unrest, as suggested by its sequential title. In the image, a worker gestures toward Paris, lamenting the city's somber mood without the excitement of riots. This poignant depiction reflects the era's simmering class tensions: the 1830 July Revolution had toppled the Bourbon restoration, but economic hardships fueled worker discontent and sporadic uprisings in the 1830s. Charlet's lithography—a revolutionary printing technique perfected in the early 19th century—allowed for affordable mass production of detailed, expressive prints, making social critique accessible to the working class. Charlet's bold lines and satirical edge highlight lithography's power as a democratic medium, bridging fine art and popular commentary. *15/16* invites us to ponder how unrest shapes urban life, a timeless theme in French history.

About the Artist

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet · 1792–1845

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