Artwork

Le Jeune Soldat

Le Jeune Soldat, by Charles-Nicolas Cochin I, ink, 1737
Le Jeune Soldat, by Charles-Nicolas Cochin I, ink, 1737

Le Jeune Soldat is an ink print by the Baroque artist Charles-Nicolas Cochin I. It dates from 1737 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Le Jeune Soldat is an etching on laid paper created by Charles-Nicolas Cochin I in 1737. Despite its title, the work depicts a woman, not a young soldier, engaged in a dynamic pose.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a woman dressed in a long, flowing gown, holding a drum and a stick, apparently marching or playing music. Her attire and accessories suggest a potential allegorical or theatrical context, though the specific meaning remains unclear.

Technique & Style

The etching features fine lines that impart a textured appearance to the subject's clothing and the ground. This attention to detail, particularly in fabric folds, aligns with the meticulous rendering characteristic of the Baroque period.

History & Provenance

Created in 1737 by Charles-Nicolas Cochin I, the etching's provenance and exhibition history are not detailed in available information.

Context

The work reflects the Baroque emphasis on detail and texture. Understanding the etching process provides insight into how Cochin I achieved the intricate design.

Legacy

The legacy of Le Jeune Soldat is not extensively documented in provided sources, limiting analysis of its impact on subsequent art or its reception over time.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.