Who painted Les Palatines/Habit Ordinaire/Les Casaquins?

Les Palatines/Habit Ordinaire/Les Casaquins was painted by Jacques Chéreau in 1724.

Where can I see Les Palatines/Habit Ordinaire/Les Casaquins?

Les Palatines/Habit Ordinaire/Les Casaquins is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Les Palatines/Habit Ordinaire/Les Casaquins?

Les Palatines/Habit Ordinaire/Les Casaquins is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Les Palatines/Habit Ordinaire/Les Casaquins

Jacques Chéreau , 1724

Les Palatines/Habit Ordinaire/Les Casaquins is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Chéreau. It dates from 1724 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1724, this print by French engraver Jacques Chéreau combines engraving, etching and drypoint on laid paper. Rendered in monochrome, the image presents three figures positioned against an unadorned background, allowing the intricate line work to dominate the composition.

Subject & Meaning

At the centre stands a man in a long coat and hat, grasping a cane in his right hand. To his left is a woman in a full-length dress with a modest head covering, while to his right a second woman appears in a striped robe, also veiled. The grouping suggests a domestic or social scene, though no explicit narrative is provided.

Technique & Style

Chéreau employed a blend of engraving for precise outlines and etching for softer tonal areas, complemented by drypoint to achieve fine, velvety lines. The contrast between the crisp edges of the clothing and the subtle shading of the figures demonstrates his skill in manipulating line density on laid paper.

History & Provenance

The work originates from early eighteenth‑century France, a period when Chéreau was active in producing portraiture and genre prints for the burgeoning market of illustrated books and albums. No specific collector’s marks or later ownership records are attached to this particular impression.

Context

During the 1720s, French printmakers frequently depicted everyday attire and manners, catering to an audience interested in fashion and social types. Chéreau’s print aligns with this trend, offering a visual record of contemporary dress and the subtle distinctions between male and female attire of the era.