Grimaces Pl. 1 – Boilly Study of Male Emotions, Physiognomic Satire, c.1823

€ 530

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Date: 1823
Mapmaker / artist: Louis-Léopold Boilly, France, published London c.1823–28
Technique: Lithograph with contemporary hand-coloring
Sheet size: 37 × 35.5 cm (14.6 × 14.0 in)
Condition: Good
Reference: BG-14155-5

What the condition grades mean

Excellent: Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good: Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good: Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair: Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.

Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.

Condition

Minor spotting and age toning. Colors remain fresh.

About this sheet

Grimaces Pl. 1 – Male Emotions, Boilly Physiognomy, c.1823
This plate from Boilly’s famed Grimaces series focuses on exaggerated male facial expressions, arranged in a compact, sculptural grouping. Each head presents a distinct emotional state, demonstrating Boilly’s fascination with physiognomy and emotional taxonomy.

The Grimaces series forms the core of Boilly’s reputation as a chronicler of human expression. These works were admired not only as caricature but also as quasi-scientific studies of emotion.

Condition report:
Minor spotting and age toning. Colors remain fresh.

Framing tips:
A simple contemporary black or charcoal frame with a narrow ivory mat suits modern interiors particularly well.