Artwork
Meridies (Noon)
Meridies (Noon) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Charles Le Brun. It dates from 1640 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Meridies (Noon) is a black-and-white etching with engraving on laid paper, created by Charles Le Brun around 1640. The print depicts a serene forest scene with three figures.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows one woman seated on the ground, cradling a sleeping child, while another woman stands nearby, gazing down. The title suggests the time of day, noon, which may imply a moment of rest or tranquility.
Technique & Style
Le Brun employed sharp, defined lines through etching and engraving to delineate the figures and the dense foliage of the forest, with suggested sunlight filtering through the leaves.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1640, specific details about the print's history and ownership prior to its current location are not provided.
Context
As a 17th-century print, Meridies reflects the era's artistic tendencies towards detailed, realistic depictions of nature and everyday life, potentially influenced by Le Brun's broader artistic explorations.
Legacy
While specific influence or notable exhibitions of Meridies are not highlighted, it remains a characteristic example of Le Brun's etching work from the period.
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Artist & collection
