Artwork

Le Carnaval

Le Carnaval, by Philibert-Louis Debucourt, ink, 1810
Le Carnaval, by Philibert-Louis Debucourt, ink, 1810

Le Carnaval is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Philibert-Louis Debucourt. It dates from 1810 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Le Carnaval is a print created by Philibert-Louis Debucourt in 1810, utilizing etching and aquatint techniques on wove paper. The work depicts a vibrant street party scene set in the early 19th century.

Subject & Meaning

The scene showcases a lively carnival atmosphere with elegantly dressed individuals, including women in large dresses and hats, and men with canes, alongside performers on a wagon engaging in balancing and juggling acts. A distant crowd observes the festivities, with a small dog being a notable animal presence.

Technique & Style

Debucourt employed fine lines to achieve meticulous detail, rendering intricate elements such as ruffles and shadows. The combination of etching and aquatint allowed for nuanced textures and tonal depths in the print.

History & Provenance

Created in 1810, specific details regarding the print's provenance and historical context beyond its creation date are not provided.

Context

Le Carnaval reflects the social and recreational practices of the early 19th century, capturing the essence of a public entertainment event during this period.

Legacy

The legacy of Le Carnaval is not explicitly detailed in the provided information, though it remains a representative example of Debucourt's work and early 19th-century printmaking techniques.

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.