Bilder Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre (1737–1814) – The Triumph of Virtue (Le Triomphe de la Vertu) – Stipple engraving with hand coloring (18th Century)

Beskrivning

This narrative engraving illustrates a dramatic scene from the celebrated novel Paul et Virginie by Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre. The composition depicts a nighttime passage through a tropical forest, where the two young protagonists, Paul and Virginie, are being carried across a shallow stream. They are seated upon a makeshift litter borne by two local men, one of whom holds a flaming torch that illuminates the dense foliage and gnarled trees.

Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre was a French writer and botanist who rose to international fame with the publication of Paul et Virginie in 1788. The novel, set on the island of Mauritius, became a cornerstone of Romantic literature, celebrated for its vivid descriptions of tropical landscapes and its exploration of social virtue and tragic love. Bernardin de Saint-Pierre was a disciple of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and his work profoundly influenced the cultural imagination of the late 18th century. Illustrations of his novels were immensely popular, serving to visualize the sentimental and exotic themes that resonated with the French public during a period of significant social and political transition.

Artist or Maker: Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre

Dimensions: Approximately 37 cm x 44 cm

Medium: Stipple engraving with hand coloring

Date: 18th Century

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.