Donatien Collection

De Sade (Ray / 2)
Donatien-Alphonse-Francois, marquis de SADE French philosopher and author

(1725-1807). Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur. French soldier. Steel engraving, 19th century
COMTE de ROCHAMBEAU (1725-1807). Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur. French soldier. Steel engraving, 19th century

MARQUIS DE SADE (1740-1814). Comte Donatien-Alphonse-Francois de Sade. French writer. Drawing, 1936, by Man Ray suggesting Sades many years of incarceration

FRANCE: FRANKLINs HOME. The mansion at Passy, where Benjamin Franklin stayed during the American Revolution on the invitation of the owner, Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont

COMTE de ROCHAMBEAU (1725-1807). Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur. French soldier. Pen-and-ink drawing, American, 1906

COMTE DE ROCHAMBEAU (1725-1807). French soldier. Contemporary drawing attributed to his Swedish aide-de-camp in America, Count Hans Axel Fersen

(1726-1803). French aristocrat and supporter of the American Revolution. Line engraving, 18th century
JACQUES-DONATIEN LE RAY (1726-1803). French aristocrat and supporter of the American Revolution. Line engraving, 18th century

A young nobleman volunteers to be an officer in Comte de Rochambeaus expeditionary force to America, 1780
AMERICAN REVOLUTION, 1780. A young nobleman volunteers to be an officer in Comte de Rochambeaus expeditionary force to America, 1780

French infantrymen in Comte de Rochambeaus expeditionary corps during the American Revolutionary War, 1780
REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1780. French infantrymen in Comte de Rochambeaus expeditionary corps during the American Revolutionary War, 1780. Gouache by Nicolas Hoffmann

Two musicians in Comte de Rochambeaus expeditionary corps in America during the American Revolutionary War, 1780
REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1780. Two musicians in Comte de Rochambeaus expeditionary corps in America during the American Revolutionary War, 1780. Gouache by Nicolas Hoffmann

(1725-1807). Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur. French soldier. The meeting of Comte de Rochambeau
COMTE de ROCHAMBEAU (1725-1807). Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur. French soldier. The meeting of Comte de Rochambeau and General George Washington at Wethersfield, Connecticut, May 1781

General George Washingtons soldiers, aided by Count de Rochambeaus French troops, take a British redoubt, October 1781
SIEGE OF YORKTOWN, 1781. General George Washingtons soldiers, aided by Count de Rochambeaus French troops, take a British redoubt, October 1781, during the siege of Yorktown

SIEGE OF YORKTOWN, 1781. General George Washington (by tent, center), Comte de Rochambeau (looking at map), and Marquis de Lafayette (pointing)

COMTE de ROCHAMBEAU (1725-1807). Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur. French soldier. Stipple engraving, 19th century

PORT OF BREST, 1780. The port of Brest, France, where 5, 500 French troops under Comte de Rochambeau embarked for America in 1780. Contemporary French line engraving

COMTE DE ROCHAMBEAU (1725-1807). French soldier. A contemporary English cartoon engraving of c1780

De Sade (Ray / 1)
Donatien-Alphonse-Francois, marquis de SADE French philosopher and author

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"Donatien: A Tale of French Soldiers, Writers, and Revolution" In the annals of history, the name Donatien resonates with tales of bravery, controversy, and intellectual prowess. From Comte de Rochambeau to Marquis de Sade, this name has been associated with notable figures who left an indelible mark on France and beyond. Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, known as Comte de Rochambeau (1725-1807), was a revered French soldier whose leadership played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the American Revolutionary War. His strategic brilliance and unwavering commitment earned him admiration both at home and abroad. Meanwhile, another Donatien emerged from the shadows - Comte Donatien-Alphonse-Francois de Sade (1740-1814). This enigmatic figure was not only a nobleman but also a controversial writer whose works pushed societal boundaries. The Marquis de Sade's exploration of human desires challenged conventional norms and sparked intense debates that continue to this day. Amidst these historical accounts lies an intriguing connection - Franklin's Home in Passy. It served as a sanctuary for Benjamin Franklin during his stay in France. Little did he know that within those walls resided Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur himself – two influential figures converging under one roof during such transformative times. As we delve deeper into their stories, we witness young noblemen volunteering to join Rochambeau's expeditionary force to America in 1780. Their courage knew no bounds as they fought alongside French infantrymen against British forces during the American Revolutionary War. These soldiers embodied honor and sacrifice while forging alliances that would shape nations' destinies. Through line engravings and stipple engravings dating back centuries ago or steel engravings from more recent times – their images preserved for posterity – we catch a glimpse of the faces behind these legends.