16/116

About this artwork

stamp: ‘Sia[...]’

Art Historical Context

**16/116** is a captivating chalk lithograph by Marie Alexandre Alophe, skilled French lithographer active in the mid-19th century Created in 1848 this large-scale work measures 488 mm high by 336 mm wide, showcasing the artist's mastery of the medium during a pivotal year in French history—the Revolution of 1848, which toppled the July Monarchy and ushered in the Republic. The enigmatic title "16/116 hints at its place within a numbered series, possibly illustrations, portraits, or satirical prints common in Alophe's oeuvre. Chalk lithography, Alophe's chosen technique, allowed for rich tonal gradations and soft, painterly effects by drawing with greasy chalk on lithographic stone. This innovative process, perfected in the early 1800s, democratized art reproduction, making high-quality images affordable and widespread through newspapers, books, and posters. Alophe's works often captured the era's social and political fervor, blending technical precision with expressive detail. A faint stamp reading ‘Sia[...]’ suggests provenance from a notable collection, adding to the piece's allure. Though the exact subject remains elusive, **16/116** exemplifies 19th-century lithography's role in documenting a transformative time, inviting visitors to ponder its historical whispers. (198 words)

About the Artist

Marie Alexandre Alophe · 1812–1883

Comment on works: lithographer; painter; photographer