Karel X van Frankrijk produceert de Juli Ordonnanties

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2760

Art Historical Context

This lithograph by Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps captures a pivotal moment in French history: King Charles X issuing the July Ordinances of 1830. These restrictive decrees, aimed at curbing press freedom and electoral rights, directly sparked the July Revolution that ended the Bourbon Restoration and ushered in the more liberal July Monarchy. Created in the same year as these turbulent events, the print serves as both a historical record and a visual commentary on political upheaval. Decamps, a versatile French artist known for his dynamic compositions and interest in contemporary subjects, employed lithography—a medium prized in the early nineteenth century for its ability to produce affordable, widely distributable images. Measuring roughly 27 by 32 centimeters, this print would have allowed broader audiences to engage with the dramatic political narrative, reflecting the growing role of graphic art in shaping public discourse during a period of revolution and reform. The presence of collector’s mark Lugt 2760 further underscores the work’s journey through private collections, highlighting its enduring value as both an artistic and documentary artifact of 1830.

About the Artist

Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps · 1803–1860

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