Heur et Malheur (Happiness and Woe)
early 19th century
Medium
metalwork
Classification
metalwork
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Sarah Cooper Hewitt
Accession Number
1907-17-147
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Raymond Gayrard’s *Heur et Malheur (Happiness and Woe)* is a compelling example of early nineteenth-century French metalwork. Created by the French artist (1777–1858) during a period of political and social upheaval following the French Revolution and Napoleonic era, the piece uses the enduring medium of metal to explore life’s dualities. Metalwork at this time often served both decorative and commemorative purposes, allowing artists to craft durable reliefs or plaques that conveyed moral or emotional messages to a wide audience. The title suggests an allegorical theme contrasting joy and sor...