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"Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme", by the late C. R. Leslie...South Kensington Museum, 1864. Creator: W Thomas. "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme", by the late C. R. Leslie...South Kensington Museum, 1864. Creator: W Thomas
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"Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme", by the late C. R. Leslie...South Kensington Museum, 1864. Creator: W Thomas. "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme", by the late C. R. Leslie...South Kensington Museum, 1864. Creator: W Thomas
"Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme", by the late C. R. Leslie, R.A., in the Sheepshanks Collection, South Kensington Museum, 1864. Engraving of a painting. A rich retired woollen-draper is learning to fence. '...after a long involuntary fit of laughing at the strange aspect of her master in a new and fashionable morning reception suit... Nicole, the saucy housemaid...has been joined by her mistress, the sensible and unpretending Mdme. Jourdain...to convince the maid of her impertinence in owning to a special grudge against the fencing-master for filling the house with dust (notice the broom so aptly placed in Nicole's hand), he calls for a pair of foils..."There, push at me a little, to try." "Well, how?" says the maid, thrusting at him...and giving him, notwithstanding his awkward attempts to parry, several hits...to the unconcealed delight of the wife. "Very good! But hold! Oh! gently. The deuce take the hussy!" cries M. Jourdain, smarting under the humiliation. "Why, you told me to push," says Nicole...Poor M. Jourdain! he is slow to apprehend...[that] in fencing, an untaught but nimble and determined person generally gets at least the first hits out of a person less naturally adroit, though aided by a knowledge of the rules of the art'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864
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Media ID 38074799
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Bourgeois Bourgeoisie Broom Broomstick C R Leslie Charles R Leslie Charles Robert Leslie Class Employee Employer Employment Fencing Foil Funny Gender Gender Role Husband Jean Baptiste De Moliere Jean Baptiste Poquelin Jean Baptiste Poquelin De Moliere Leslie Charles Robert Maid Middle Class Moliere Moliere Jean Baptiste De Moliere Jean Baptiste Poquelin De Parry Poquelin De Moliere Jean Baptiste Poquelin Jean Baptiste Screen Servant Servants Silly Social Class Stance Thomas W W Thomas Wife Wives Foils Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme Parrying
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a scene from the renowned play "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" by the late C. R. Leslie, displayed at the South Kensington Museum in 1864. The image depicts a rich retired woollen-draper learning to fence, much to the amusement of his household staff.
In this humorous moment, we see Nicole, the saucy housemaid, taking jabs at her master with a foil as he awkwardly attempts to parry her blows. His wife looks on with unconcealed delight while trying to convince Nicole of her impertinence. The confusion and hilarity that ensue highlight M. Jourdain's slow apprehension of the situation.
The intricate details captured in this engraving by W Thomas bring this comical scene to life, showcasing not only the physical comedy but also the social dynamics at play within the household. The placement of objects such as a broom and foils adds depth and context to the narrative unfolding before our eyes.
This print is not just a visual representation of a classic play but also an invitation for viewers to immerse themselves in its humor and wit. It serves as a reminder of how art can transcend time and space, bringing stories from centuries past into our present-day consciousness with all their charm intact.
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