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Lot Essay
Born in Paris, Paradis was a student of David and exhibited at the Salon from 1822-1850.
In this work he depicts the Oublieur or Marchand d'oublies, a seller of thin cakes similar to waffles rolled into cylinders called oublies. The tradition dates back to the middle ages and became a registered trade in 1270 under the patronage of Louis IX. The cakes are kept in a cylindrical drum often surmounted by a dial and arrow. After handing over a fee to play the game, the child spins the arrow to select the number of cakes she will receive. Rousseau describes this game in his Rêveries. He relates an event that took place in the parc de la Muette in Paris in which all the children share their winnings. The anecdote perhaps reflects themes from his political writings as an allegory of equality.
In this work he depicts the Oublieur or Marchand d'oublies, a seller of thin cakes similar to waffles rolled into cylinders called oublies. The tradition dates back to the middle ages and became a registered trade in 1270 under the patronage of Louis IX. The cakes are kept in a cylindrical drum often surmounted by a dial and arrow. After handing over a fee to play the game, the child spins the arrow to select the number of cakes she will receive. Rousseau describes this game in his Rêveries. He relates an event that took place in the parc de la Muette in Paris in which all the children share their winnings. The anecdote perhaps reflects themes from his political writings as an allegory of equality.