Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Baroque artist Nicolas Lancret. It dates from 1730 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This print presents a garden scene in which Marie Salle is shown dancing among a group of participants.
About this work
Overview
This print presents a garden scene in which Marie Salle is shown dancing among a group of participants. The composition captures a moment of collective movement, set against a landscaped backdrop, and reflects the social popularity of dance as entertainment during the period in which it was produced.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, Marie Salle, is positioned amid other revelers, suggesting a communal celebration. The arrangement of gestures and postures conveys a sense of lively interaction, emphasizing the communal joy and cultural importance of dance gatherings in garden settings.
Technique & Style
Executed with careful line work and tonal contrasts, the print employs chiaroscuro to model forms and suggest depth. The artist’s handling of light and shadow enhances the impression of motion, while the detailed rendering of foliage and attire demonstrates a high level of printmaking skill.
History & Provenance
The work was marketed in London by the brothers Thomas Bowles and John Bowles, known dealers in prints. Their involvement indicates the piece circulated within the British print market, providing evidence of its distribution and reception among contemporary collectors.
Artist & collection
Artist
Nicolas Lancret (French pronunciation: ; 22 January 1690 – 14 September 1743) was a French painter.
