Artwork
Le coucher des ouvrieres en modes
Le coucher des ouvrieres en modes is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Francois-Nicolas-Barthelemy Dequevauviller. It dates from 1788 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1788, this print by François‑Nicolas‑Barthelemy Dequevauviller presents a domestic interior populated by several figures.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1788, this print by François‑Nicolas‑Barthelemy Dequevauviller presents a domestic interior populated by several figures. Rendered in black and white through engraving and etching, the composition captures a moment of private preparation within a modestly illuminated room.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts a group of women and a man, all attired in the elaborate fashions of the late eighteenth century. One figure reclines on a bed while the others sit or stand, suggesting a routine of dressing and conversation that hints at the everyday lives of working‑class individuals who adopt contemporary styles.
Technique & Style
Dequevauviller employed a combination of etching and drypoint engraving, allowing for fine lines and subtle tonal variations. The use of cross‑hatching creates depth and a warm, intimate atmosphere, emphasizing texture in the fabrics, wooden beams, and furnishings.
History & Provenance
The print was produced in the years preceding the French Revolution, a period when genre scenes of domestic life were popular among printmakers. It remains attributed to Dequevauviller, a French artist known for his detailed depictions of contemporary social settings.
Context
In the late eighteenth century, prints documenting everyday moments served both decorative and documentary purposes. This work reflects the growing interest in portraying the quotidian experiences of ordinary people, especially those engaged in the emerging consumer culture of fashion.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francois-Nicolas-Barthelemy Dequevauviller
Francois-Nicolas-Barthelemy Dequevauviller (1786–1786) was an artist.
