Média Médiums

Beginning in 1791, the optical telegraph was implemented according to the technological and formal choices of Claude Chappe. In 1793, it is validated and adopted by the Convention for its political and military dimensions. In 1794, in order to oppose the English blockade depriving France of precious lead, the government commissioned Nicolas-Jacques Conté to perfect a writing instrument, the pencil, which had both military and civilian applications. However different these two inventions might seem at first glance, they both gave rise to revolutionary narratives and to the celebration of their inventors. It is interesting to analyse them together as transitional moments between 18th century Enlightenment and 19th century industrial culture. Jean-Louis Boissier is emeritus professor of art and aesthetics and director of research at the University of Paris 8. He also teaches at the EnsadLab - École nationale supérieure des arts décoratifs. Since the 1980s, he has been curator of new media exhibitions as