Bonvoisin “the Death Of Virginie” After Jean-frédéric Schall

Gouache “The death of Virginie” after Jean-Frédéric Schall Benoist
Benjamin Bonvoisin (1788 - 1860)
Gouache French school of the 19th century

Very interesting gouache representing the death of Virginie from the famous novel “Paul et Virginie” by Bernardin de Saint-Pierre .
This gouache was painted after the illustration created by Jean-Frédéric Schall who illustrated the second edition of the novel (1806) with a series of 6 drawings which were engraved by Decourtis.

Our painting was painted in 1807 by Benoist Benjamin Bonvoisin, then aged 17, a Norman painter born in Montivillers near Le Havre, to thank the Mayor of the town, Guillaume Antoine Sery, for financing his studies in Paris in David's renowned workshop in Paris.

The Sery family and the Bégouen-Demeaux family, rich Le Havre shipowners who spotted the talent of the young painter, allowed the artist to start a career as a painter also known for his portraits.
“Dedicated to Mr Sery Mayor of Le Havre by BB Bonvoisin student of the Imperial High School under David for painting in 1807”

The scene represents the death of Virginie whose body lies on the beach next to the mast where she was attached during the sinking of the Saint -Géran on his return to Ile de France. It is necessary to note here the dramatic nature of this scene: the pain of Domingue, facing the sea, his arms raised to the sky and his hands nervously knotted; the expressive gesture of the Old Man, arm outstretched, ostensibly showing the medallion, with the portrait of Paul, found in Virginie's hand.

Between the edition of the novel Paul and Virginie in 1789 and that of 1806, Schall painted two series of illustrations. The second, engraved by Charles Melchior Descourtis, is composed of six scenes: the grace of the slave; Paul and Virginie found by Domingue; the visit of Mr. de La Bourdonnais; Virginie’s farewells and departure; the death of Virginie and prayer.​

Gouache on paper, 45 x 38 cm
Signed and dated Gilded wooden frame, 54.5 x 47 cm

Price: 2,500 euros