Artwork
A merry jest
A merry jest is an oil painting by Charles Soulacroix. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1872, this oil painting by Charles Soulacroix is part of the collection at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. It depicts a domestic interior rendered in a refined, leisurely manner, inviting viewers into a moment of quiet companionship.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows a man and a woman seated together in an elegantly appointed room. The woman is dressed in a pale blue gown with her hair arranged in an updo, while the man, in a brown jacket and pink trousers, leans toward her holding a red pillow. The composition suggests a gentle, perhaps playful interaction between the two figures.
Technique & Style
Soulacroix employs oil paint to achieve smooth modeling of fabrics and furnishings, with subtle gradations of light that give depth to the gold‑trimmed décor. The palette balances cool blues and warm earth tones, while the red pillow provides a focal accent within the intimate setting.
History & Provenance
The work, titled A Merry Jest, entered the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ holdings after its creation in the early 1870s. Its acquisition reflects the gallery’s interest in 19th‑century French genre painting, though specific details of its prior ownership remain limited.
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