Artwork
Saint-Preux sort de chez des femmes du monde
Saint-Preux sort de chez des femmes du monde is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Nicolas Delaunay. It dates from 1776 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Nicolas Delaunay’s 1776 print, titled *Saint‑Preux sort de chez des femmes du monde*, is an etching and engraving that captures a moment of forced departure. The composition centers on a gentleman in period attire, assisted by two elegantly dressed women as he descends a staircase, while onlookers observe the scene with a mixture of curiosity and tension.
Subject & Meaning
The work portrays a social confrontation: a man, identifiable by his tricorn hat and long coat, is being escorted out of a gathering by several women, one of whom holds a fan. The surrounding figures—both male and female—watch the removal, suggesting themes of public shaming, gender dynamics, and the fragility of reputation in 18th‑century society.
Technique & Style
Executed through a combination of etching and engraving, Delaunay employs fine line work to render the intricate fabrics and the architectural details of the staircase and doorway. The contrast between light and shadow, achieved by varied hatching, heightens the dramatic tension and directs the viewer’s eye toward the central action.
History & Provenance
Created in 1776, the print reflects Delaunay’s active period in the late Enlightenment, when printmaking served both artistic and documentary purposes. While specific ownership records are sparse, the work has appeared in several 19th‑century collections of French prints, indicating its circulation among connoisseurs of the era.
Context
The image emerges at a time when French visual culture was shifting toward greater emphasis on narrative and emotional expression, foreshadowing Romantic concerns. Its focus on a socially charged episode aligns with contemporary interests in moralizing scenes and the depiction of everyday life beyond aristocratic portraiture.
Artist & collection
