Maurin, Jocelyn Sauvant Laurence de la Mort, 1840, Lithograph

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Romantic antique lithograph of Jocelyn Sauvant, from Lamartine’s literary work, circa 1840. A poetic and emotional 19th-century French composition. Jocelyn … Read more Romantic antique lithograph of Jocelyn Sauvant, from Lamartine’s literary work, circa 1840. A poetic and emotional 19th-century French composition. Jocelyn Sauvant Laurence de la Mort – Romantic Lithograph after Lamartine, circa 1840 This dramatic and highly emotive 19th-century lithograph illustrates a powerful scene from Jocelyn, the celebrated narrative poem by Alphonse de Lamartine, first published in 1836. The print, titled Jocelyn Sauvant and Laurence de la Mort, captures a moment of tragedy and self-sacrifice in the alpine wilderness, rendered with theatrical Romantic intensity. In the composition, a man (Jocelyn) throws up his arms in despair or motion as he races across a snowy slope toward a fallen woman, Laurence, whose lifeless form lies on the ground beside a deer. The jagged rocks, rushing waterfall, and dynamic postures evoke high emotional tension, common to the Romantic movement’s aesthetic. This lithograph was drawn by H. Maurin and printed by Cassat, rue du Faubourg St. Jacques 59, Paris. It belongs to a popular series of literary illustrations based on Lamartine’s writings, which were widely read and admired across Europe. Lamartine’s Jocelyn tells the story of a young seminarian whose life is marked by love, loss, and renunciation. This scene likely depicts the moment Laurence dies tragically in the mountains, echoing the poem’s themes of devotion, suffering, and spiritual redemption. Below the main image are two poetic excerpts from the original French text, one under each character’s name. Between them is a small vignette showing a related scene—perhaps Laurence’s soul being received into the afterlife—framed by decorative floral elements. The lithographic technique, ideal for literary illustration, allows for fluid shading, expressive character rendering, and careful detail in both natural and emotional elements. Prints like this were often collected as individual sheets or bound into albums celebrating Romantic literature and poetry. Condition report: The print is in good condition. The image retains its clarity and full tonal range. There is light foxing in the margins, most visible in the upper area. The sheet is untrimmed and shows light age wear, but remains structurally sound and well-suited for framing. Framing suggestions: This emotionally charged print would pair well with a dark wooden or antique gold frame. A warm white or pale grey mat can help emphasize the drama of the scene while softening the visual intensity. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the paper and detail. Ideal for collectors of Romantic prints, literary art, or French 19th-century poetry. See less