Artwork
Marriage
Marriage is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jean Dughet. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Marriage is a 17th-century etching with engraving on two sheets of laid paper, created circa 1650 by Jean Dughet. The work is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts a wedding ceremony in a grand, columned room. A central figure, a man in a tall hat, stands beside a kneeling woman in a long dress, as they hold hands. Surrounding figures exhibit engaged postures, with clasped or raised hands, suggesting a moment of solemnity or celebration.
Technique & Style
Dughet employed fine, detailed linework characteristic of etching to render intricate textures, such as clothing folds and facial expressions. The use of etching and engraving techniques allowed for precise capturing of the scene's nuances.
History & Provenance
Created around 1650, the exact history of the print's ownership before its acquisition by the National Gallery of Art is not detailed here. The Gallery in Washington currently holds the piece.
Context
The work reflects the artistic tendencies of its time, with etching being a popular medium for detailed, replicable artworks. The grand setting may allude to the social or economic status of the depicted individuals.
Legacy
While specific influences or notable exhibitions of 'Marriage' are not highlighted, the piece contributes to the broader understanding of 17th-century printmaking techniques and ceremonial depictions in art.
Artist & collection
