Alexandre Joseph Desenne was a French artist and illustrator born in 1785 in Paris, France. He was active during a period that followed the French Revolution and witnessed the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte. Desenne was primarily known for his illustrations and engravings, which often depicted historical events and literary works. His style was influenced by the neoclassical movement, which was prevalent during his time, and his illustrations reflected a keen attention to detail and a commitment to conveying the narratives of the texts they accompanied.
Desenne's work as an illustrator gained him significant recognition, particularly for his contributions to the illustration of books. He worked on visual representations for a range of subjects, from classic literature by authors such as Cervantes and La Fontaine to contemporary works of his period. His illustrations often contained elements of wit and satire, which was characteristic of the post-revolutionary sentiment in France.
Despite his contributions to the world of French illustration, Alexandre Joseph Desenne's life is not as well-documented as some of his contemporaries. He passed away relatively young, at the age of 42, in 1827. His works, however, have outlived him, providing insight into the aesthetic and cultural sensibilities of early 19th-century France. Desenne's illustrations remain valuable to art historians and literary scholars for their historical significance and artistic merit.