Jeanne de Bourgogne

Art Historical Context

**Jeanne de Bourgogne** is a captivating lithograph on wove paper by French artist Achille Devéria created between 1776 and 1800. Housed in the National Gallery Art's Department of Prints (CG-E) as a generous gift from Frank Anderson Tr, this work exemplifies early mastery of lithography—a revolutionary printmaking technique invented around 1798 that allowed artists to draw directly on stone for nuanced, painterly reproductions. Wove paper, with its smooth, even texture free of visible chains or wires, was ideal for capturing fine details, making prints like this accessible to a wider audience beyond elite collectors. Achille Devéria, a key figure in French Romanticism, was renowned for his elegant portraits and historical scenes, often blending classical grace with emotional depth. Here, he portrays Jeanne de Bourgogne, evoking the opulent world of 18th-century nobility through subtle tonal gradations unique to lithography's greasy crayon method. This medium democratized art, bridging painting and mass production during a time of social upheaval leading into the Napoleonic era. Visitors will appreciate how *Jeanne de Bourgogne* preserves a moment of aristocratic refinement, showcasing Devéria's skill in evoking personality and poise. A testament to innovation, it highlights prints' role in cultural dissemination at the National Gallery of Art. (198 words)

About the Artist

Achille Devéria · 1800–1857

Achille Jacques-Jean-Marie Devéria (1800–1857) was a French painter and lithographer whose prolific output and sophisticated portrait work made him one of the most important visual chroniclers of French Romantic culture. Born in Paris on February 6, 1800, Devéria came of age during the Restoration period and became closely associated with the Romantic movement that dominated French arts and letter...