Artwork
Midday

Midday is a print by the Baroque artist Jeremias Falck. It dates from 1645 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This print shows a woman cutting into a chicken, possibly preparing lunch.
She wears a feathered hat and a fancy dress.
The scene is simple, with the woman as the main focus.
The woman's costume is interesting, with a feathered hat and a fancy dress, showing what people wore in the 17th century.
To learn more about the use of shadows in this print, look up the technique: chiaroscuro.
Overview
Midday is an engraving by Jeremias Falck, part of a series published by Le Blond depicting various times of day. The print focuses on a solitary female figure engaged in a domestic task.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a woman preparing a chicken, likely for lunch, set against a simple background. The accompanying bilingual poem (French and English) reinforces the midday theme, invoking the call to dinner and the allure of the prepared meal.
Technique & Style
The engraving showcases 17th-century costume details: a feathered hat, pearl jewelry, an aproned dress with bow accents, and curled hair. Notably, the composition utilizes chiaroscuro, emphasizing contrast to highlight the woman's actions.
History & Provenance
Published by Le Blond as part of a day-themed set, specific details on the print's creation date, original audience, or subsequent ownership history are not provided in the available information.
Context
Reflecting 17th-century daily life, the print offers a glimpse into both the mundane tasks and the fashion of the era, with the woman's attire being a key aspect of the work's contextual value.
Legacy
While the print's direct influence or renown in the broader art historical canon is not detailed here, it remains a documented example of Falck's work and 17th-century engraving techniques, with its use of chiaroscuro being a notable aspect.
Artist & collection



















