Books and Art

Voltaire (1876). Jules Chéret (French, 1836-1932). Poster. Printer: Imp. J. Chéret, Paris.

Chéret created a number of designs for children's clothing and playthings, all of which share the same peculiar charm. There is something both nightmarish and fantastical about his characters: a grinning clown with elfin ears, a rabbit playing drums with a menacing look in his eye, a jolly potbellied man who swoops in with a sweet young child. The design announces clothing for men, young people, and children at Voltaire, which was located on the square now known as the Place de la République.

A Dancing Colleen in a Landscape. John Joseph. Oil on canvas. National Trust, Sunnycroft.

“Vous craignez les livres comme certaines bourgades ont craint les violons. Laissez lire, et laissez danser; ces deux amusements ne feront jamais de mal au monde.” ― Voltaire

Girl reading, 1920s. French postcard photograph. Photograph by Pisa, # 450.

"Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to the world." -- Voltaire 

in-the-middle-of-a-daydream:

From Pride and Prejudice, a 1980 BBC television serial, adapted by British novelist Fay Weldon from Jane Austen's novel of the same name, originally published in 1813.

“I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.” (Elizabeth Bennet) ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Source: a-harlots-progress