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| Vivant Denon Putto with portfolio of Vivant Denon etchings 1790 etching British Museum |
Above, the title page for a portfolio of Vivant Denon's etchings, printed and sold at Venice in 1790, where the artist temporarily took refuge from the French Revolution. His black-and-white fancies and topical illustrations were distributed around Europe all through the late 18th century. Not having yet been invented, photography was no use at all in documenting these stirring times. Enterprising graphic artists like Vivant Denon (1747-1825) gained wealth and prestige by standing in for the cameras that did not exist.
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| Vivant Denon Two wounded soldiers in a tavern 1809 etching British Museum |
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| attributed to Vivant Denon Académie late 18th century etching British Museum |
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| attributed to Vivant Denon Académie late 18th century etching British Museum |
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| attributed to Vivant Denon Académie late 18th century etching British Museum |
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| Vivant Denon after Rembrandt Rembrandt's Self-portrait late 18th century etching British Museum |
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| Vivant Denon Portrait in profile of M. Auberg, print publisher late 18th century etching British Museum |
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| Vivant Denon after Parmigianino Spirit of Fire late 18th century etching British Museum |
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| Vivant Denon The Expulsion from Paradise ca. 1790-94 etching British Museum |
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| Vivant Denon after Claude Lorrain River Landscape late 18th century etching British Museum |
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| Vivant Denon after Claude Lorrain River Landscape late 18th century etching British Museum |
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| Vivant Denon after Parmigianino Mystic Marriage of St Catherine late 18th century etching British Museum |
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| Vivant Denon after Rembrandt Angel taking leave of Tobias and his family 1795 etching British Museum |
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| Vivant Denon after Gabriel Metsu Philosopher in his study 1784 etching British Museum |
I am grateful to the British Museum for making available these excellent reproductions.