Emblems & Satire · 19th century
€ 530
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Minor spotting and age toning. Colours remain fresh.
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. Colours remain fresh.
Framing tips:
A simple contemporary black or charcoal frame with a narrow ivory mat suits modern interiors particularly well.
Technique: Lithograph with contemporary hand-colouring
Maker: Louis-Léopold Boilly, France, published London c.1823–28
