Artwork

Les Deux Baisers (The Two Kisses)

Les Deux Baisers (The Two Kisses), by Philibert-Louis Debucourt, ink, 1786
Les Deux Baisers (The Two Kisses), by Philibert-Louis Debucourt, ink, 1786

Les Deux Baisers (The Two Kisses) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Philibert-Louis Debucourt. It dates from 1786 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Les Deux Baisers (The Two Kisses) is a print created by Philibert-Louis Debucourt in 1786 using color etching and wash manner on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts a crowded room with four figures in 18th-century attire, capturing a lively, informal moment. A woman stands near an easel, being kissed by a man, while others engage in separate activities.

Technique & Style

The print's use of color etching and wash manner on laid paper achieves a sketch-like quality, suggesting a spontaneous, unpolished work. The artist's name in the corner reinforces this impression.

Context

The artwork reflects the artistic techniques of its time, utilizing etching methods that allowed for detailed prints with ink and metal plates.

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.