Who painted Ecole du balayeur?

Ecole du balayeur was painted by Nicolas Toussaint Charlet in 1822.

Where can I see Ecole du balayeur?

Ecole du balayeur is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Ecole du balayeur?

Ecole du balayeur is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Ecole du balayeur

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet , 1822

Ecole du balayeur is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Nicolas Toussaint Charlet. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Nicolas‑Toussaint Charlet produced the lithograph *Ecole du balayeur* in 1822. The print depicts a crowded group of men surrounding a broom, one of whom brandishes it as if it were a weapon while the others observe or point. Their attire appears worn and includes broad‑brimmed hats, giving the scene a bustling, informal atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

Although Charlet is best known for military subjects, the title – "School of the Sweeper" – suggests a humorous take on discipline, portraying ordinary laborers in a mock‑military drill. The exaggerated handling of the broom implies a parody of training exercises, blurring the line between civilian work and martial rigor.

Technique & Style

Created through lithography, the work employs Charlet’s characteristic sketch‑like line work and tonal shading. The medium allows for fluid, spontaneous marks that capture the energy of the crowd and the texture of the figures’ clothing, reinforcing the lively, almost chaotic composition.

History & Provenance

Charlet, a prominent figure in early‑19th‑century French printmaking, produced the piece during a period when France was adjusting to post‑Napoleonic society. The lithograph reflects his interest in everyday social scenes alongside his usual military motifs, offering insight into contemporary attitudes toward work and authority.

Context

The image emerges from a France where military imagery remained pervasive after the Empire’s fall. By applying a martial framework to a mundane task, Charlet comments on the lingering influence of military discipline in civilian life, a theme common in the visual culture of the Restoration era.