Who painted Merle Violet, du Royaume de Juda?

Merle Violet, du Royaume de Juda was painted by Matinet in 1764.

Where can I see Merle Violet, du Royaume de Juda?

Merle Violet, du Royaume de Juda is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Merle Violet, du Royaume de Juda?

Merle Violet, du Royaume de Juda is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Merle Violet, du Royaume de Juda

Matinet , 1764

Merle Violet, du Royaume de Juda is an ink print by the Baroque artist Matinet. It dates from 1764 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Matinet’s 1764 hand‑colored etching, titled Merle Violet, du Royaume de Juda, presents a portrait of a woman identified as Merle Violet. The work combines a printed line image with subsequent manual coloration, a technique typical of eighteenth‑century printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is rendered as a woman from the Kingdom of Juda, dressed in attire that suggests an antiquated or regional costume. The portrayal emphasizes her facial features and garments, inviting viewers to consider cultural identity and historical dress.

Technique & Style

The image originates from a copper‑plate etching, a process that creates fine line work through acid‑etched incisions. After printing, artisans applied watercolor pigments by hand, enriching the composition with subtle hues and enhancing texture—a common practice for adding color to prints before the advent of chromolithography.

History & Provenance

Created in 1764, the piece reflects the period’s interest in exotic or historical subjects. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is attributed to Matinet, a French printmaker active in the mid‑eighteenth century, known for producing illustrated books and individual prints.

Context

During the Enlightenment, prints depicting foreign lands and peoples were popular among European collectors. Hand‑colored etchings like this one served both decorative and educational purposes, offering a visual glimpse into distant cultures within the limited means of print media.