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ID #SA1200858
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£260
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The Hypochondriac, Ca 1840: French 19th Century Moliere Theatre Figure Fine Line Drawing on Paper
Skippings Fine Arts
for sale €304     $330
£260
Skippings Fine Arts

Skippings Fine Arts

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    Modern french & continental pictures selected by a former french auction house expert
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The Hypochondriac, Ca 1840: French 19th Century Moliere Theatre Figure Fine Line Drawing on Paper

19th century
Description

This fine and sensitively treated line drawing in coloured ink heightened with white depicts Argan, the hypochondriac from Molière's play "The Imaginary Invalid". Dating from circa 1840, it was attributed to Paul Gavarni by its previous owners. The drawing captures the quintessential "hypochondriac" of 17th-century French literature, reimagined through a sharp 19th-century lens. The artist uses rapid, confident cross-hatching to define the volume of the heavy dressing gown, contrasting beautifully with the delicate white highlights on the nightcap and stockings—a technique Gavarni pioneered to create a sense of theatrical light.

Gavarni was famous for his ability to translate human foibles into visual form. Around 1840, there was a significant revival of interest in Molière’s plays in Paris, and Gavarni often turned to theatrical archetypes to comment on the bourgeois life of his time. This piece is a superb example of the "Physiognomy" movement popular in the 1840s, where an individual's character was read through their dress and posture.The size of the drawing measured without its frame is 26.5 x 20 cm at sight, with the framed size being 37 x 29 cm.

Physical Dimensions
Height
26cm (10.24")
Width
20cm (7.87")
Depth
1cm (0.39")
Declaration

Skippings Fine Arts has dated this Antique French Line Drawing to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1200858
Dealers Notes

Nous parlons français, und wir sprechen auch Deutsch! Paintings may be viewed in Norwich and in Paris, as well as in London and Cambridge by appointment. Please contact us if you would like further details and images of an artwork.

Description
This fine and sensitively treated line drawing in coloured ink heightened with white depicts Argan, the hypochondriac from Molière's play "The Imaginary Invalid". Dating from circa 1840, it was attributed to Paul Gavarni by its previous owners.
“
The drawing captures the quintessential "hypochondriac" of 17th-century French literature, reimagined through a sharp 19th-century lens.
Skippings Fine Arts

The artist uses rapid, confident cross-hatching to define the volume of the heavy dressing gown, contrasting beautifully with the delicate white highlights on the nightcap and stockings—a technique Gavarni pioneered to create a sense of theatrical light.

fig 1. A 19th-century French line drawing on brown paper depicting a theatrical figure in a nightcap and robe with white gouache highlights.
fig 1. The Hypochondriac, Ca 1840: French 19th Century Moliere Theatre Figure Fine Line Drawing on Paper

Gavarni was famous for his ability to translate human foibles into visual form. Around 1840, there was a significant revival of interest in Molière’s plays in Paris, and Gavarni often turned to theatrical archetypes to comment on the bourgeois life of his time. This piece is a superb example of the "Physiognomy" movement popular in the 1840s, where an individual's character was read through their dress and posture.The size of the drawing measured without its frame is 26.5 x 20 cm at sight, with the framed size being 37 x 29 cm.

Height
26cm (10.24")
Width
20cm (7.87")
Depth
1cm (0.39")
Date of Manufacture

Skippings Fine Arts has dated this Antique French Line Drawing to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1200858
Skippings Fine Arts
Skippings Fine Arts
Sellingantiques verified Since Feb 2018

Modern french & continental pictures selected by a former french auction house expert

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Skippings Fine Arts Profile Page

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A 19th-century French line drawing on brown paper depicting a theatrical figure in a nightcap and robe with white gouache highlights.
1 / 5
Archive I A 19th-century French line drawing on brown paper depicting a theatrical figure in a nightcap and robe with white gouache highlights.

The Hypochondriac, Ca 1840: French 19th Century Moliere Theatre Figure Fine Line Drawing on Paper

Archive II A 19th-century French line drawing on brown paper depicting a theatrical figure in a nightcap and robe with white gouache highlights. View II
Archive III A 19th-century French line drawing on brown paper depicting a theatrical figure in a nightcap and robe with white gouache highlights. View III
Archive IV A 19th-century French line drawing on brown paper depicting a theatrical figure in a nightcap and robe with white gouache highlights. View IV
Archive V A 19th-century French line drawing on brown paper depicting a theatrical figure in a nightcap and robe with white gouache highlights. View V
Enlarged Archival View
Skippings Fine Arts

Skippings Fine Arts
Telephone 0747 257 2398
Location
Norfolk
United Kingdom

By appointment
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/skippingsfinearts
Verified Since Feb 2018
Items For Sale 168
Items Sold 685
Skippings Fine Arts
Skippings Fine Arts
Verified Since Feb 2018
View Dealer Info
Location: Norfolk, United Kingdom, , By appointment
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/skippingsfinearts
Verified
Feb 2018
For Sale
168
Sold
685
A 19th-century French line drawing on brown paper depicting a theatrical figure in a nightcap and robe with white gouache highlights.
The Hypochondriac, ca 1840: French 19th Century Moliere Theatre figure fine line drawing on paper
Ref: SA1200858
A 19th-century French line drawing on brown paper depicting a theatrical figure in a nightcap and robe with white gouache highlights.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail

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FAQs

19th-century French theatrical figure drawings were created as costume studies, character interpretations, or production records for classical plays. Influenced by French academic traditions and popular stage productions, these illustrations combine precise draughtsmanship with theatrical narrative.

Artists during this period typically used iron gall or sepia ink applied with fine dip pens onto rag paper. Toned or brown paper was frequently selected to allow for contrast, achieved by adding white gouache or chalk heightening to highlight drapery and form.

Authentic works on paper from this period exhibit natural hand-drawn variations in line weight, visible plate marks or ink absorption, and distinct aging signs such as foxing or subtle toning. Examining the white highlights under magnification usually reveals raised opaque gouache rather than flat printed dots.

These works suit gallery walls or minimalist frame mouldings alongside modern furniture. Grouping monochrome or sepia figure studies together creates cohesive visual interest in hallways, studies, or dining areas.

Works on paper must be framed using acid-free mounting boards and UV-protective glass to prevent fading and paper degradation. Direct sunlight and high humidity environments should be avoided to prevent mould growth and ink deterioration.
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