Artwork

Dites donc s'il vous plait

Dites donc s'il vous plait, by Nicolas Delaunay, ink, 1782
Dites donc s'il vous plait, by Nicolas Delaunay, ink, 1782

Dites donc s'il vous plait is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Nicolas Delaunay. It dates from 1782 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Dites donc s'il vous plait is a print created by Nicolas Delaunay around 1782 using etching, possibly combined with engraving.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene domestic scene: a woman sits with a book, surrounded by four inquisitive children, in a dimly lit room with a tree branch visible outside the window.

Technique & Style

The use of etching allows for detailed rendering, with the dark background and soft lighting creating a contrast that highlights the figures, emphasizing their calm and lively interaction.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Nicolas Delaunay

Artist

Nicolas Delaunay

Nicolas Delaunay (1739–1792) was a French artist, born in Paris.

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