Artwork

Le dejeuner de Fanfan

Le dejeuner de Fanfan, by Jean-Baptiste Mallet, ink, 1797
Le dejeuner de Fanfan, by Jean-Baptiste Mallet, ink, 1797

Le dejeuner de Fanfan is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jean-Baptiste Mallet. It dates from 1797 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Le dejeuner de Fanfan is a color stipple etching created by Jean-Baptiste Mallet in 1797.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts an intimate scene of three women in elaborate 18th-century attire within a domestic setting, accompanied by an infant. The composition conveys a sense of warmth and refinement, capturing a moment from the daily life of the affluent.

Technique & Style

The work is executed in color stipple etching, a technique that allows for detailed and nuanced renderings. The artist's use of this medium results in a richly textured image with intricate details, such as the women's clothing and the furnishings.

Context

The scene is set in a lavishly appointed room with dark walls, polished wood furniture, and decorative elements like a small statue and a framed portrait. The atmosphere is one of comfortable elegance, reflecting the tastes and lifestyles of wealthy families during the late 18th century.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.