Louis Carrogis dit Carmontelle

Veuillez noter que ces œuvres ont été examinées encadrées. Sur la plupart on remarque des pliures sur l’ensemble des papiers et sur l’une des aquarelles on remarque un assez grand nombre de taches brunes. Les autres sont néanmoins peu tachées et comportent peu de rousseurs ; les couleurs sont vives et vibrantes. Toutes sont encadrées. Please note that these have not been viewed out of their frames. The majority have a number of creases throughout the sheets and there is one watercolour in the group that has a significant amount of brown staining throughout. However the others are relatively free of foxing or strong stains and the colours are vivid and vibrant throughout. All sold framed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The very rare set of twelve "transparencies" that we present is an example of one of the most original and playful creations by the artist Louis Carrogis alias Carmontelle, for the sake of entertaining the aristocracy of the end of the Old French Regime. These works are often detached and separated. They were originally assembled one to the others in order to present a continuous decor of tree landscapes and parks with varied architectures. These different plates were then affixed onto two rods then unrolled in front of a small light source, such as a window, to unwind the small scenes for the spectators's delight. A true success.

Between 1783 and 1790, Carmontelle realized nine of these great panoramic productions which were titled "French countryside decorated with its picturesque gardens called English gardens". These works astound the great modernity with their inventions and display delicate illustrations of the era's care-free attitude on the eve of the French Revolution.

Literature:
G. Lagardère, Les Quatre Saisons de Carmontelle, Divertissement et illusions au siècle des Lumières, Paris, 2008.