Artwork
Le Matin du premier jour de l'an
Le Matin du premier jour de l'an is a print by the Impressionist artist Charles Jacque. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Le Matin du premier jour de l'an is a 1865 black-and-white print by Charles-Émile Jacque, a French artist associated with the Barbizon School.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a New Year's Day scene outside a small house, where people gather and engage in everyday tasks, such as loading a barrel onto a cart. The title suggests a snapshot of daily life in the 1800s, focusing on ordinary people rather than grand subjects.
Technique & Style
The print showcases Jacque's skill as an engraver, with detailed textures and a calm, busy atmosphere. The use of black and white emphasizes the rough texture of the house walls and the bare branches of a tree in the background.
History & Provenance
The print is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Jacque, who trained as an engraver and worked on maps during his time in the French Army, was known for his pastoral scenes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles-Émile Jacque (23 May 1813 – 7 May 1894) was a French painter of Pastoralism and engraver who was, with Jean-François Millet, part of the Barbizon School. He first learned to engrave maps when he spent seven years in the French Army.
