Laurent Mourguet, Guignol's creator, fell on hard times during the French Revolution, and in 1797 started to practice dentistry, which in those days was simply the pulling of teeth. To attract patients, he started setting up a puppet show in front of his dentist's chair. Guignolis the main character in the French puppet show which has come to bear his name. Although often thought of as children's entertainment, Guignol's sharp wit and linguistic verve have always been appreciated by adults as well, as shown by the motto of a prominent Lyontroupe: "Guignol amuses children… and witty adults".
His first shows featured Polichinelle, a character borrowed from the Italian commedia dell'arte. By 1804 the success was such that he gave up dentistry altogether and became a professional puppeteer, creating his own scenarios drawing on the concerns of his working-class audience and improvising references to the news of the day. He developed characters closer to the daily lives of his Lyon audience, first Gnafron, a wine-loving cobbler, and in 1808 Guignol. Other characters, including Guignol's wife Madelon and the gendarmeFlagéolet soon followed, but these are never much more than foils for the two heroes. Guignol's inevitable victory is always the triumph of good over evil.
A beautiful reproduction on archival matt paper print from an original watercolor art done in 8 by 10 with 1/2 inch border.
These are fine art paper prints, used by art galleries, individual artists, and photographers. These prints are meticulously created using archival materials and cutting-edge print technology, ensuring exceptional quality and longevity.
Giclee prints featuring archival pigmented inks
Unmatched color accuracy with the widest color gamut available (12 color printing)
Perfect for art reproductions and stunning photographic prints.
Differences in monitor and device settings( brightness, contrast, saturation, etc) there may be a slight difference in color.
Size : 8 X 10 inches
Medium: Watercolor, Gouache
2025 Studio Philip James
Original: SOLD
Laurent Mourguet, Guignol's creator, fell on hard times during the French Revolution, and in 1797 started to practice dentistry, which in those days was simply the pulling of teeth. To attract patients, he started setting up a puppet show in front of his dentist's chair. Guignolis the main character in the French puppet show which has come to bear his name. Although often thought of as children's entertainment, Guignol's sharp wit and linguistic verve have always been appreciated by adults as well, as shown by the motto of a prominent Lyontroupe: "Guignol amuses children… and witty adults".
His first shows featured Polichinelle, a character borrowed from the Italian commedia dell'arte. By 1804 the success was such that he gave up dentistry altogether and became a professional puppeteer, creating his own scenarios drawing on the concerns of his working-class audience and improvising references to the news of the day. He developed characters closer to the daily lives of his Lyon audience, first Gnafron, a wine-loving cobbler, and in 1808 Guignol. Other characters, including Guignol's wife Madelon and the gendarmeFlagéolet soon followed, but these are never much more than foils for the two heroes. Guignol's inevitable victory is always the triumph of good over evil.
A beautiful reproduction on archival matt paper print from an original watercolor art done in 8 by 10 with 1/2 inch border.
These are fine art paper prints, used by art galleries, individual artists, and photographers. These prints are meticulously created using archival materials and cutting-edge print technology, ensuring exceptional quality and longevity.
Giclee prints featuring archival pigmented inks
Unmatched color accuracy with the widest color gamut available (12 color printing)
Perfect for art reproductions and stunning photographic prints.
Differences in monitor and device settings( brightness, contrast, saturation, etc) there may be a slight difference in color.
Size : 8 X 10 inches
Medium: Watercolor, Gouache
2025 Studio Philip James
Original: SOLD
