Portrait.

A striking full-length portrait of the philosopher seated on a tree stump and hard at work on the Contrat Social. At his feet, two doves, presumably evicted from their stump, discuss matters. The print is by the Parisian firm of Basset, which was a leading source of popular prints during the Revolution. Rousseau was claimed as a foundational influence by many revolutionary leaders, and in 1794 they arranged for his remains to be transferred to the Panthéon in Paris. Bachelin 185; Girardin, p. 35. Hand-coloured copperplate engraving. Image size: 70 x 52 cm. Framed size: 85 x 66.5 cm. Presented in a handmade gilt frame with conservation acrylic glazing. Light toning and chipping to extremities, not touching impression: in very good condition.