Louis Stanislas Marin-Lavigne was a French lithographer and draughtsman born in the year 1797. His career unfolded during a period of rich artistic activity in France, which was marked by the aftermath of the French Revolution and the subsequent Napoleonic wars. This era saw the emergence of lithography as a popular form of printmaking, which Marin-Lavigne embraced and helped to advance.
Initially, Marin-Lavigne studied under the guidance of renowned French artists such as Anne-Louis Girodet and Antoine-Jean Gros, who were both influential figures in the neoclassical and romantic movements of French art. These early influences are evident in Marin-Lavigne's work, which often combined the neoclassical emphasis on line and form with a romantic sensibility.
Throughout his career, Marin-Lavigne produced a wide array of lithographs, including reproductions of historical scenes, portraits, and genre works. His lithographs were known for their fine detail and clear lines, characteristics that made them popular in a society that was increasingly interested in such prints for both educational and decorative purposes.
Aside from his contributions to lithography, Marin-Lavigne also worked as a draughtsman, creating designs for various purposes, including book illustrations. His illustrations contributed to the visual culture of his time and helped disseminate the styles and tastes of the period to a broader audience.
Louis Stanislas Marin-Lavigne's career spanned several decades, and he became a respected figure in the French art world. He was active until his death in 1860, leaving behind a body of work that reflected the artistic transitions of his time and contributed to the development of lithography as a respected art form in France.