Who painted Les poissons et le cormoran (The Fish and theCormorant)?

Les poissons et le cormoran (The Fish and theCormorant) was painted by Quentin-Pierre Chedel in 1759.

Where can I see Les poissons et le cormoran (The Fish and theCormorant)?

Les poissons et le cormoran (The Fish and theCormorant) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Les poissons et le cormoran (The Fish and theCormorant)?

Les poissons et le cormoran (The Fish and theCormorant) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Les poissons et le cormoran (The Fish and theCormorant)

Quentin-Pierre Chedel , 1759

Les poissons et le cormoran (The Fish and theCormorant) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Quentin-Pierre Chedel. It dates from 1759 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Les poissons et le cormoran (The Fish and the Cormorant) is a hand-colored etching created by Quentin-Pierre Chedel in 1759. The print depicts a serene river scene, blending natural elements with subtle narrative suggestion.

Subject & Meaning

The scene features a cormorant in the act of diving, with a smaller bird nearby, set against the backdrop of an ancient stone bridge, overgrown ruins, and surrounding trees. The composition alludes to a fable, as hinted by the title, though the specific moral or story is not explicitly illustrated.

Technique & Style

Chedel employed etching as the primary technique, characterized by precise line work, to capture the details of the natural setting. Delicate hand-coloring enhances the etching, emphasizing the nuances of the river environment and the textures of the stone and foliage.

History & Provenance

Created in 1759 by Quentin-Pierre Chedel, the etching's provenance details are not specified here, though its creation date situates it within 18th-century European artistic practices, particularly the appreciation for nature scenes and fable-inspired works during this period.

Context

The work reflects the 18th-century European interest in landscapes, wildlife, and the allegorical use of fables in art. The choice of a cormorant, a bird often associated with fishing and solitude, may symbolize themes related to industry, patience, or the human relationship with nature.

Legacy

While specific details on the etching's direct influence or widespread recognition are not provided, it contributes to the broader legacy of 18th-century etching techniques and the enduring appeal of nature and fable-inspired themes in European art.