Who painted On demande une réponse par le courrier?

On demande une réponse par le courrier was painted by Aubert in 1854.

Where can I see On demande une réponse par le courrier?

On demande une réponse par le courrier is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is On demande une réponse par le courrier?

On demande une réponse par le courrier is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

On demande une réponse par le courrier

Aubert , 1854

On demande une réponse par le courrier is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Aubert. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1854, this lithographic print titled *On demande une réponse par le courrier* presents a modest domestic interior populated by three women. The composition captures a moment of quiet activity, illuminated by subdued lighting that emphasizes the figures and surrounding furnishings.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure leans over a small table, pen in hand, suggesting she is preparing a written reply. A second woman stands behind her, hands on her hips, while a third, positioned toward the back, holds a glass and gazes away. The title, translating to “A letter reply is requested,” implies a narrative of correspondence and anticipation within everyday life.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithography, the work relies on swift, sketch‑like lines that convey the textures of clothing and the fleeting expressions of the subjects. The artist’s handling of tone and line creates a sense of immediacy, while the limited palette reinforces the intimate, dimly lit atmosphere of the interior.

History & Provenance

The print originates from the mid‑nineteenth‑century French print market, a period when lithography was widely used for both artistic and commercial purposes. No further ownership records are presently documented, and the work remains attributed to the artist Aubert.

Context

Mid‑1800s France saw a growing interest in genre scenes that depicted ordinary domestic moments. This lithograph aligns with that trend, offering a glimpse into the private sphere of women’s daily routines, particularly the social ritual of letter writing.