Artwork

Chacun respecte le travail des autres, afin que le sien soit en sûreté

Chacun respecte le travail des autres, afin que le sien soit en sûreté is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Pierre-Philippe Choffard. It dates from 1778 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Chacun respecte le travail des autres, afin que le sien soit en sûreté is a black-and-white etching and engraving print created by Pierre-Philippe Choffard in 1778. The work depicts a serene garden scene with three male figures engaged in distinct activities, accompanied by a French inscription emphasizing mutual respect for others' labor.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates three individuals in a collaborative context: a gardener with a shovel and hats, a boy watering, and a finely dressed figure observing and guiding. The scene conveys a sense of teamwork and harmony, underscored by the inscription, which promotes the value of respecting others' work to ensure one's own safety and success.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching and engraving, the print showcases Choffard's mastery of these techniques, characterized by precise lines and nuanced shading, achieving a detailed and expressive visual language. The choice of monochrome enhances the clarity of the narrative and the emotional subtlety of the interactions.

History & Provenance

Created in 1778, specific details about the print's provenance and historical context beyond its creation are not provided. It reflects the artistic and philosophical values of its time, with the engraver's style typical of late 18th-century French printmaking.

Context

The emphasis on mutual respect and teamwork in the print aligns with Enlightenment values prevalent in 18th-century France, which stressed reason, cooperation, and the importance of individual contribution to the greater good. The garden setting may symbolize a microcosm of ideal societal harmony.