Chiffonnier Collection

The interior of a warehouse, a French chiffonnier, where women workers are sorting materials into baskets
3473164 The interior of a warehouse, a French chiffonnier, where women workers are sorting materials into baskets, from L'Univers Illustre, pub

Chiffonnier employment, 19th century (litho)
3782864 Chiffonnier employment, 19th century (litho); (add.info.: Chiffonnier: 19th century French person who would pass through the towns and villages collecting rags, paper, animal skins, bones)

French actor Frederic Lemaitre in Le Chiffonnier
French actor and writer Frederic Lemaitre or Antoine Louis Prosper Lemaitre in Le Chiffonnier de Paris, Theatre de la Porte St. Martin, 1846

The Tramp (colour litho)
CHT236765 The Tramp (colour litho) by French School, (19th century); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris, France; eArchives Charmet; French, out of copyright

Napoleon III, French Emperor 1852-1870, dressed as a rag-picker (Chiffonnier)
538310 Napoleon III, French Emperor 1852-1870, dressed as a rag-picker (Chiffonnier), warned off by Otto von Bismarck, the Prussian Chancellor

Chiffonnier (chromolitho)
975969 Chiffonnier (chromolitho) by Borgex, Louis (fl.1897); Private Collection; (add.info.: Chiffonnier. French educational card, late 19th/early 20th century.); © Look and Learn

Two Chiffonniers
Two French chiffonniers (chiffoniers in english) - left, in black wood and copper in the Louis XVI style, right, rosewood in the Louis XV style. Date: circa 1860

Two French Chiffonniers
Two French chiffonniers (chiffoniers in english) - on the left, in boule, right, in marquetterie. Date: circa 1860

Source Size = 3959 x 5599
Sketches in St. Petersburg: Beggars; Tradesmans Sleigh; Monk and Nun; Chiffonnier; Organ Grinder; Knife Grinder; Private Sleigh; Light Porter; Railway Carrier; Footman; Russia, 1874

The Tramp (oil on canvas)
XIR222212 The Tramp (oil on canvas) by Raffaelli, Jean Francois (1850-1924); 36x54 cm; Musee Bonnat, Bayonne, France; French, out of copyright

Napoleon III, French Emperor 1852-1870, dressed as a rag-picker (Chiffonnier), warned off by Otto von Bismarck, the Prussian Chancellor

French Rag Collector
A French chiffonnier - rag-gatherer

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"Chiffonnier: A Reflection of French Society and Artistic Expression" The term "chiffonnier" holds a significant place in French history, culture, and art. From the portrayal of French actor Frederic Lemaitre in Le Chiffonnier to the iconic image of The Tramp captured through colour lithography, this word has been woven into various artistic representations. During the reign of Napoleon III, even the Emperor himself dressed as a rag-picker or chiffonnier. This unexpected depiction showcased his connection with everyday people and highlighted their importance within society. Artists seized upon this imagery, creating stunning chromolithographs that immortalized these figures. The presence of two chiffonniers further emphasizes their significance in both urban landscapes and artistic compositions. Sketches from St Petersburg engraved scenes featuring them amidst bustling streets, reminding viewers that they were not exclusive to France alone. Beyond visual representation, chiffoniers also had tangible connections to daily life. They collected discarded items like cloth or rags for reuse or resale purposes. As seen in an image titled "Asnieres door, " these individuals would frequent specific locations such as Rue des English or stand outside hotels like Hotel-God where changers operated. Their role was so integral that it even earned recognition through awards like the Medal of the Chiftional A. Lambinet (N ° 8967). This medal symbolizes acknowledgment for those who dedicated themselves to this profession and contributed significantly to society's fabric. Chiffonniers hold a multifaceted place within French society - from being portrayed by actors on stage to becoming subjects for artists' brushstrokes; they are emblematic of an era marked by social change and artistic expression.