Artwork
La comete
La comete is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques-Philippe Le Bas. It dates from 1745 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Jacques‑Philippe Le Bas produced the print titled La comète in 1745.
About this work
Overview
Jacques‑Philippe Le Bas produced the print titled La comète in 1745. Executed as a combination of engraving and etching, the work belongs to the print medium and reflects the artist’s technical proficiency in both intaglio processes.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents an interior scene where several figures are gathered around a table, absorbed in a game. A window occupies the right side of the composition, admitting daylight, while a dog lies on the floor, adding a domestic touch to the gathering.
Technique & Style
Le Bas employs a nuanced palette of warm wood tones against cooler garments, achieved through varied line work and tonal modulation. The interplay of light and shadow creates depth and a subtle tension, hallmarks of the Baroque aesthetic that emphasizes dramatic illumination.
Context
Produced in the mid‑18th century, the print aligns with the lingering influence of the Baroque period in French art, where artists often explored lively interior scenes and the effects of chiaroscuro to convey narrative vigor.
Artist & collection
![A Game of Cards [recto], by Anton Weiss](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/anton-weiss--a-game-of-cards-recto--6bb6d053bcd336b7-w320.webp)
