Schetsblad met diverse figuren en dieren 1830

This is a lithograph by Nicolas Toussaint Charlet, a French artist working in the first half of the 19th century. The loose and lively sketch brings together a number of figures under the title "Circus Artists." The image is a fascinating insight into the world of popular entertainment in Restoration France. At the time, circuses were not just about animal acts; they were also venues for displays of horsemanship, acrobatics, and dramatic spectacle. Charlet's work captures the energy and excitement of this world, but also hints at the social dynamics at play. The juxtaposition of different types of performers – the equestrian, the elegant lady, and the clownish figures – suggests the diverse audiences that these performances attracted. To understand Charlet's art fully, we would need to delve into the archives of Parisian entertainment, looking at playbills, reviews, and other documents that would shed light on the social and cultural context in which he was working.