Benjamin ZIX (Strasbourg 1772 - Perugia 1811) - Lot 46

Benjamin ZIX (Strasbourg 1772 - Perugia 1811) The unveiling of the Vendôme column, 1810 Pen and India ink, gray wash. Styled for transfer. Slightly oiled, scattered freckles and stains. 35.5 x 47 cm On the reverse of the frame, three reproductions of the column. Our drawing is preparatory to the engraving by Duplessis-Bertaux and N. Courbe. Courbe dated 1810 and executed in reverse. opposite direction. A copy of the engraving is in the Musée Carnavalet. The designs for the bas-relief friezes on the Vendôme column were commissioned from Pierre-Nolasque Bergeret in 1806, François Mazois and Benjamin Zix. Dominique Vivant Denon distributed the bas-reliefs to both established sculptors and young talents. The Vendôme column was erected between 1806 and 1810 by architects Jean-Baptiste Lepère and Jacques Gondouin, to commemorate Napoleon's victories, notably the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. Inspired by the Trajan Trajan in Rome, it is distinguished by its bronze cladding made from cannons captured from the enemy. The column is 44 meters high and decorated with spiral bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Napoleon's campaign. glorify the French army, embodying the imperial ideal of the time. At the top, a statue of Napoleon in military garb. Over time, the column became a contested symbol. It is strongly linked to the imperial regime, and gives rise to historical memory. In 1871, during the Paris Commune, the column was pulled down, but rebuilt rebuilt in 1874, following a huge outpouring of support.