Lithograph by Louis Stanislas Martin-Lavigne of Dido Elisabeth Belle and Landy Elisabeth Murray, 1848
Collection context
- Creator:
- Martin-Lavigne, Louis Stanislas, 1797-1860
- Extent:
- 1 Linear Feet (Large lithograph (75 x 54.5 cm.) in Frame (86 x 66 cm.) Signed "Martin Lavergne". Mounted on cardboard, in contemporary wooden gilt frame by "Pécourt".)
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
Hand colored lithograph by Louis Stanislas Martin-Lavigne (1797-1860). Large lithograph (75 x 54.5 cm.) in Frame (86 x 66 cm.) Signed "Martin Lavergne". Mounted on cardboard, in contemporary wooden gilt frame by "Pécourt".
This print was number 1 of Marin-Lavigne's most ambitious series of monumental lithographs of romantic scenes that reminisce on times past, titled Grands groupes aux deux crayons. These were published without colouring, but the copy that we offer here was extensively amended with watercolour and gouache to give the print a painting-like appearance.
- Biographical / historical:
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Dido and Elisabeth were half-sisters who lived together in 18th century England with their great-uncle Lord Mansfield. Dido was the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of Admiral Sir John Lindsay. There was a certain fascination for their close friendship amongst contemporaries, resulting in many depictions of them. Whether the maker of this lithograph was aware that he was depicting Dido Elisabeth Belle and Lady Elisabeth Murray remains uncertain. In the 1848 edition of the Bibliographie de la France this lithograph was listed as "Une Jeune négresse tenant la chaine attachée a la patte d'un perroquet pose sur le doigt de sa maitresse". Compared to other depictions of Dido and Elisabeth the likeness is unmistakable.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This item is located on-site.
- Terms of access:
-
Single reproductions may be made for research purposes. It is the responsibility of the user to secure permission for publication or use from the appropriate copyright holder.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu