Claude-Louis Desrais

Desrais studied under Francesco Casanova, whose influence prompted him to specialise in historical and genre scenes. He preferred pen and ink drawings in watercolour or gouache, the energetic and fluid manner of which are reminiscent of the style of his teacher Casanova. Desrais was also one of the most sought-after fashion illustrators of the latter third of the 18th century. His small-format depictions of fashion and scenes of gallantry were mostly used to illustrate almanacs and were re-engraved by artists such as Alix, Blanchard and Le Beau. After the Revolution broke out, Desrais was probably forced to alter his style and devoted his artistic attention to contemporary events. This is exemplified by his illustrations for the Traité des causes revolutionnaires which he exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1793.

The monumental format of this lively genre scene gives it a special place in the artist’s corpus of drawings and is a perfect reflection of the idyllic taste that prevailed during the Ancien Régime. Set against a picturesque village backdrop, shepherds and peasants pursue a wide variety of activities that Desrais depicts in a vivid and compelling manner. The animals and the vegetation are sketched in a way that is equally lively and natural. A gnarled willow tree in the centre of the composition lends added colour and atmosphere to the scene.

12.000 €