Cleric was painted by Lamourette in 1840.

Where can I see Cleric?

Cleric is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Cleric?

Cleric is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Cleric?

Museum-quality prints of Cleric are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Cleric

Lamourette , 1840

Cleric is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Lamourette. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1840, this lithograph on chine collé by Lamourette presents a solitary figure dressed in period clerical attire. The composition centers on the man, whose solemn expression and aged features dominate the picture, while the surrounding environment recedes into an indistinct urban backdrop.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is rendered as a cleric, identifiable by his high collar, gloves, and the ceremonial robes he wears. He holds a small book or tablet in one hand, suggesting scholarly or liturgical duties, and a elongated object, perhaps a staff or key, in the other, hinting at authority or guardianship.

Technique & Style

Lamourette employs swift, sketch‑like lines that emphasize the figure’s presence over fine detail. The lithographic process on a thin paper support (chine collé) allows for delicate tonal variations, while the background is rendered in loose, blurred strokes that suggest a bustling cityscape without distracting from the subject.

History & Provenance

The work originates from the early nineteenth‑century French printmaking tradition, a period when lithography was increasingly used for rapid, expressive images. Specific ownership records are not documented, but the piece reflects Lamourette’s engagement with contemporary print techniques.

Context

During the 1840s, European art often explored themes of religious and civic authority, situating clerical figures within modernizing urban settings. This lithograph aligns with that trend, juxtaposing a timeless religious persona against a hint of industrial development, as suggested by the faint crane or scaffolding in the distance.