Reading the Will, 1800s, Paper

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Reading the Will – Boilly Satirical Inheritance Scene, c.1823 : In Reading the Will, Boilly captures a moment of collective … Read more Reading the Will – Boilly Satirical Inheritance Scene, c.1823 : In Reading the Will, Boilly captures a moment of collective anticipation as relatives lean in to hear the contents of a testament. The tightly arranged heads and sharply differentiated expressions convey greed, hope, suspicion, and anxiety with theatrical clarity. This plate exemplifies Boilly’s ability to transform everyday social rituals into psychologically rich satire. The subject would have been immediately recognisable to contemporary audiences and remains strikingly relevant today. A particularly narrative image, this print works beautifully as a standalone statement piece or as part of a themed grouping. Condition report: Light toning and scattered spotting. Margins intact. Overall good condition. Framing tips: A black frame with a wide off-white mat gives the scene breathing room and highlights the expressive faces. Technique: Lithograph with contemporary hand-colouring Maker: Louis-Léopold Boilly, France, published London c.1823–28 See less