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The Shaving Mug of Lille, 1793 (oil on canvas)
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The Shaving Mug of Lille, 1793 (oil on canvas)
XIR214147 The Shaving Mug of Lille, 1793 (oil on canvas) by Watteau, Louis Joseph (Watteau de Lille) (1731-98); 20x24.7 cm; Musee des Beaux-Arts, Lille, France; (add.info.: le plat a barbe lillois; siege of Lille by the Austrian army in September 1792; the barber, Maes, shaving men in the street in the ruins of his shop after attack; using remains of a bomb as a shaving mug; ); French, out of copyright
Media ID 12760452
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The Shaving Mug of Lille, 1793
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating oil painting by Louis Joseph Watteau de Lille that depicts a poignant scene amidst the destruction and chaos of war. The artwork showcases the resilience and resourcefulness of humanity even in the most dire circumstances. Set during the siege of Lille by the Austrian army in September 1792, the painting portrays a barber named Maes diligently shaving men on the streets amidst ruins caused by an attack. What makes this image particularly striking is Maes' use of a bomb remnant as a makeshift shaving mug, symbolizing both his determination to carry on with his trade despite adversity and also serving as a stark reminder of the violence that surrounds him. In this composition, Watteau skillfully captures not only the physical devastation but also conveys emotional depth through subtle details. A mother can be seen comforting her child nearby, emphasizing how life continues amid turmoil. The presence of children further highlights their innocence juxtaposed against harsh realities. This small-scale masterpiece housed at Musee des Beaux-Arts in Lille, France serves as a testament to human strength and adaptability during times of crisis. It reminds us that even in moments when everything seems lost, individuals find ways to persevere and maintain some semblance of normalcy.
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