Boilly, Parisian Chronicles 

A lecture on the exhibition at Musée Cognacq-Jay, Paris (until 26 June) 

with Chris Boïcos 

A virtuoso and prolific artist of the Napoleonic and post-Napoleonic eras, Louis-Léopold Boilly (1761-1845), was the most enthusiastic and entertaining chronicler of the Paris of his day. As a penetrating portraitist of the emerging middle classes, numerous urban scenes, a painter of exquisite illusionist still lifes, and as one of the greatest caricaturists of his time, he caught every aspect of Parisian life and fashion as well as the foibles of his contemporaries. 

This is the greatest exhibition in recent years to pay homage to his talent through 130 works from numerous collections in France and abroad, and a rare opportunity to discover or re-discover this often-overlooked artist.