Artwork
La soiree
La soiree is an ink print by the Baroque artist Nicolas de Larmessin IV. It dates from 1741 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
La soiree is a print created by Nicolas de Larmessin IV in 1741, combining engraving and etching techniques.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a nocturnal forest scene with four women under moonlight. The figures are arranged in a narrative that suggests a story related to beauty and love, as hinted at by an accompanying poem.
Technique & Style
Larmessin used shading to achieve depth, with dark lines contrasting against a lighter background to make the figures prominent. The use of engraving and etching allowed for detailed rendering of the tangled trees and the moonlit atmosphere.
Artist & collection
