Lassommoir Collection

Plate from l'Assommoir (man leaning on bar), 1878. Creator: Gaston la Touche
Plate from l'Assommoir (man leaning on bar), 1878

Plate from l'Assommoir (blacksmith), 1878. Creator: Gaston la Touche
Plate from l'Assommoir (blacksmith), 1878

Plate from l'Assommoir (standing couple, with other figures in background), 1878. Creator: Gaston la Touche
Plate from l'Assommoir (standing couple, with other figures in background), 1878

Plate from l'Assommoir (women ironing, man seated before a woodstove), 1879. Creator: Gaston la Touche
Plate from l'Assommoir (women ironing, man seated before a woodstove), 1879

Plate from l'Assommoir (two boys on gaslit street), 1878. Creator: Gaston la Touche
Plate from l'Assommoir (two boys on gaslit street), 1878

Plate from l'Assommoir (man proposing a toast at table with five other people), 1878. Creator: Gaston la Touche
Plate from l'Assommoir (man proposing a toast at table with five other people), 1878

Plate from l'Assommoir (dancer reclining on bed, with cat), 1878. Creator: Gaston la Touche
Plate from l'Assommoir (dancer reclining on bed, with cat), 1878

Plate from l'Assommoir (two women fighting, with onlookers), 1878. Creator: Gaston la Touche
Plate from l'Assommoir (two women fighting, with onlookers), 1878

Plate from l'Assommoir (woman lying on floor), 1878. Creator: Gaston la Touche
Plate from l'Assommoir (woman lying on floor), 1878

Plate from l'Assommoir (dancing woman with circle of onlookers), 1879. Creator: Gaston la Touche
Plate from l'Assommoir (dancing woman with circle of onlookers), 1879

Plate from l'Assommoir (bearded man seated at table), 1878. Creator: Gaston la Touche
Plate from l'Assommoir (bearded man seated at table), 1878

Plate from l'Assommoir (singer onstage with prompter), 1878. Creator: Gaston la Touche
Plate from l'Assommoir (singer onstage with prompter), 1878

L Assommoir, 1900. Creator: Theophile Alexandre Steinlen
L Assommoir, 1900

Tableau from L Assommoir, c. 1900s (b / w photo)
473745 Tableau from L Assommoir, c.1900s (b/w photo) by Boyer, Paul (1850-1937); Private Collection; (add.info.: L Assommoir)

Altercation between Gervaise and Virginia (engraving)
2808038 Altercation between Gervaise and Virginia (engraving) by Marie, Adrien Emmanuel (1848-91) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

L assommoir, Gervaise, Emile Zola, 19th century, woman carrying a bucket

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"L'Assommoir" is a classic novel written by French author Émile Zola in 1877. The story follows the life of Gervaise Macquart, a laundress struggling to make ends meet in the slums of Paris. As she falls deeper into poverty and despair, Gervaise turns to alcohol as a means of escape from her harsh reality. The title "L'Assommoir" refers to a type of drinking establishment where cheap liquor is served, often leading patrons to become intoxicated or "assommé" (knocked out). This setting serves as a metaphor for the destructive effects of alcoholism on Gervaise and those around her. Zola's novel is known for its gritty realism and unflinching portrayal of poverty, addiction, and social injustice. Through Gervaise's tragic story, he exposes the darker side of urban life in 19th-century France and sheds light on the struggles faced by marginalized individuals. "L'Assommoir" remains a powerful work that continues to resonate with readers today, serving as a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding towards those who are caught in the cycle of poverty and addiction.