Antique French Revolution Print Exécution de Louis XVI from the Victorien Sardou Collection

This historic late 18th-century hand-colored engraving captures the pivotal execution of Louis XVI on January 21, 1793. Subtitled "complainte vendue dans les rues de Paris," the artwork served as a visual lament sold to the public in the immediate aftermath of the event. What truly elevates this piece is its remarkable provenance. The lower-left margin bears the handwritten notation "Coll. Victorien Sardou." Victorien Sardou (1831–1908) was a celebrated French dramatist who curated one of the most extensive and historically significant private collections of French Revolution artifacts in the world.

The vibrant hand-coloring draws the eye to the central figures against the architectural backdrop of the Place de la Révolution. Housed in a later gilt-painted wooden frame, the artwork bridges museum-quality historical documentation with accessible display. Works carrying the Sardou collection mark are incredibly scarce and highly prized by serious antiquarians and historians of the period.

Specs
Maker/Artist: Unknown Artist (Victorien Sardou Collection)
Year Made: 1790s (Print), Mid-20th Century (Frame)
Materials: Paper, Ink, Watercolor, Wood, Glass
Dimensions: 12.5" H x 14.5" W x 1" D

Condition
The print exhibits noticeable central creasing, light foxing, and age-appropriate toning to the paper, validating its antiquity. The vintage frame shows minor surface wear and scuffs to the gilt finish but remains structurally sound and ready to hang.