Artwork

Jusques dans la moindre chose

Jusques dans la moindre chose, by Louis-Joseph Masquelier, ink, 1774
Jusques dans la moindre chose, by Louis-Joseph Masquelier, ink, 1774

Jusques dans la moindre chose is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Louis-Joseph Masquelier. It dates from 1774 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The lines are sharp and detailed, like someone carefully drew every leaf and fold in the fabric.

This print shows a woman sitting in a garden, holding a rose. She wears a loose dress with a high collar and a fancy hat. Behind her, a vase overflows with flowers, and a tree frames the scene. The lines are sharp and detailed, like someone carefully drew every leaf and fold in the fabric.

The text below her reads like a poem about finding love in small things. The artist signed it in 1774, and it’s part of a style that focused on feelings and nature.

Next, look up *etching, drypoint, aquatint* to see how this print was made.

Overview

Jusques dans la moindre chose is a print created by Louis-Joseph Masquelier in 1774, combining etching and engraving techniques. The work depicts a serene garden scene with a woman as the central figure, surrounded by floral elements and intricate details.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a woman seated in a garden, holding a rose, with a vase overflowing with flowers and a tree framing the composition. Her attire includes a loose, high-collared dress and a fancy hat. Accompanying text, resembling a poem, reflects on discovering love in the smallest details.

Technique & Style

Characterized by sharp, detailed lines, the print showcases meticulous rendering of natural and textile elements, such as individual leaves and fabric folds. The style aligns with a broader 18th-century artistic movement emphasizing sentimentality and natural themes.

History & Provenance

Signed by Masquelier in 1774, the print's provenance and exhibition history are not detailed here, focusing instead on its creation and artistic attributes.

Context

Created during a period when artistic focus on emotions and the natural world was prevalent, this print exemplifies the intersection of these themes with precise, detailed printmaking techniques.

Legacy

While specific influence or notable exhibitions of 'Jusques dans la moindre chose' are not provided, it contributes to the broader understanding of 18th-century printmaking and the sentimental, nature-inspired art of the time.

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.