Artwork
La toilette
La toilette is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles-Nicolas Cochin II. It dates from 1771 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
La toilette is an etching and engraving print created by Charles-Nicolas Cochin II in 1771, depicting a domestic scene with three figures in an ornate setting.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows a central female figure in a light, flowing gown, assisted by another woman in a dark dress holding a mirror, while a man in a robe observes from a nearby seat. Two dogs are also present, adding to the intimate, everyday nature of the scene.
Technique & Style
Cochin II employed fine lines to render intricate details, such as fabric folds and curtain textures, achieving a painterly effect characteristic of high-quality prints from the period.
History & Provenance
Created in 1771, the work's provenance is not detailed here, though its creation reflects Cochin II's contribution to 18th-century printmaking.
Context
The use of etching and engraving techniques to produce detailed, almost painterly prints was a hallmark of Cochin II's time, with such works often capturing scenes of daily life among the upper classes.
Legacy
La toilette remains a representative example of 18th-century French printmaking, illustrating both the technical skill and the thematic focus on domestic life prevalent during the era.
Artist & collection
