#etienne arago

[galleryofunknowns]

Francois Boucher (b.1703 - d.1770), 'The Charming Villagers', oil on canvas, no date (c.1760-1765), French, for sale for est. 60,000-80,000 EUR at Tajan, Paris, France.

Possibly a study for a tapestry 'La Noble Pastorale', which was never completed. Formerly from the collection of Etienne Arago (b.1802 - d.1892), noted writer and politician, then the Baron de Beurnonville, 1881.

[primeideal]

Étienne Arago

I’ve been skimming over a lot of the discussion about RL inspiration for the Amis and their artistic pursuits. Thought I’d try and see if I could dig up some more shoutouts on the science side of things; maybe this is old news, but just in case:

" Are you going away ? " Etienne Arago said to me.

" I will return in a quarter of an hour."

" Make haste, if you wish to take part ! "

" How can I, I have neither rifle nor cartridges ? "

" You must do as I have done, put pistols in your pockets."

He showed me the butt-end of a pistol sticking out of his pocket.

" Diable ! " I exclaimed, " if I thought anything would happen I would dispense with dinner ! "

" Oh ! don’t be anxious, if there is anything it will last long enough for you to come back before dessert."

-from Dumas' memoirs. Arago wrote in a letter: "I trembled lest my brother Victor, a captain at Vincennes, were among the artillerymen".

And, he hung out with an Anténor Joly (they were both seconds to the same friend in a duel).