Who painted Théocrite (Theorcritus)?

Théocrite (Theorcritus) was painted by Louis Hersent in 1818.

Where can I see Théocrite (Theorcritus)?

Théocrite (Theorcritus) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Théocrite (Theorcritus)?

Théocrite (Theorcritus) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Théocrite (Theorcritus)

Louis Hersent , 1818

Théocrite (Theorcritus) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Louis Hersent. It dates from 1818 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Louis Hersent’s lithograph titled *Théocrite* dates from 1818 and is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, D.C. Executed on wove paper, the print presents a compact, pastoral scene rendered in a light, sketch‑like manner that emphasizes tonal contrast across a modestly detailed landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The composition features two figures set against a rocky terrain. A seated individual, absorbed in a book, gazes downward, while a standing companion holds a bunch of grapes and a staff, suggesting a pastoral or poetic activity. The title references the ancient poet Theocritus, hinting at a literary or bucolic theme underlying the visual narrative.

Technique & Style

Created through lithography, Hersent employed a smooth, gestural line that captures both the solidity of the rocks and the softness of the surrounding hills. The print’s tonal gradations rely on careful manipulation of light and shadow, producing a delicate atmospheric effect typical of early 19th‑century French printmaking.

History & Provenance

The work was produced in 1818, a period when Hersent was active in the French academic tradition. It entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains catalogued as a representative example of the artist’s print output and of early lithographic practice in France.