Who painted A Gypsy Telling Fortunes?

A Gypsy Telling Fortunes was painted by Benoît Audran in 1750.

Where can I see A Gypsy Telling Fortunes?

A Gypsy Telling Fortunes is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

A Gypsy Telling Fortunes

A Gypsy Telling Fortunes is a print by Benoît Audran. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This print, titled “A Gypsy Telling Fortunes,” presents a quiet scene of divination. A Romani woman, wrapped in a dark shawl and headscarf, gently holds the hand of a young man in a feathered hat. The composition is set against a plain, muted background, emphasizing the interaction between the two figures.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a moment of fortune‑telling, with the gypsy’s focused gaze directed at the young man’s hand, while his eyes look downward in curiosity. The intimate gesture suggests a personal exchange of insight, reflecting contemporary fascination with the exotic and the mystical role of Romani fortune‑tellers.

Technique & Style

Executed as a print on paper, the image employs strong chiaroscuro to model the figures, creating depth and a sense of volume. The contrast of light and shadow guides the viewer’s attention to the central interaction, while the restrained palette maintains a contemplative atmosphere.

History & Provenance

The composition is derived from a painting by Caravaggio, adapting his dramatic lighting and narrative approach to the print medium. The French inscription “Bohëmiene disant la bonne avanture” identifies the subject and links the work to the broader tradition of literary and visual depictions of gypsy fortune‑telling.

Artist & collection

Artist

Benoît Audran

Benoît Audran spent his life carving other artists’ designs into copper plates, turning their dramatic moments into prints that traveled farther than oil paintings ever could.