Artwork

Le festin royal - Fête donnée à l'occasion de la naissance de Monseigneur le Dauphin, 21 janvier 1782

Le festin royal - Fête donnée à l'occasion de la naissance de Monseigneur le Dauphin, 21 janvier 1782 is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jean-Michel the Younger Moreau. It dates from 1782 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Le festin royal captures a grand celebration held on January 21, 1782, commemorating the birth of Monseigneur le Dauphin.

About this work

Overview

Le festin royal captures a grand celebration held on January 21, 1782, commemorating the birth of Monseigneur le Dauphin. This 1782 etching by Jean-Michel the Younger Moreau depicts a bustling indoor fete within a lavishly decorated hall.

Subject & Meaning

The etching portrays a royal party in full swing, with attendees in 18th-century finery. The scene conveys the opulence and formality of French royal celebrations during this period, highlighting social hierarchy through the depiction of distinct individuals and the grand setting.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching on laid paper, the work showcases Moreau's attention to detail, evident in the rendering of intricate architectural elements, ornate decorations, and the individualization of figures within the crowd. Soft lighting adds to the overall sense of orderly grandeur.

History & Provenance

Created in 1782 to mark the birth of the Dauphin, the etching's provenance details are not specified here, though its creation coincides with a significant royal event of the late Ancien Régime.

Context

This etching reflects the artistic and social practices of late 18th-century France, where such commemorative artworks served to disseminate news of royal events to a broader audience, leveraging the reach of print media.

Legacy

As a detailed record of a specific royal celebration, 'Le festin royal' contributes to the historical visual archive of pre-Revolutionary French court life, offering insights into the aesthetics and pageantry of the era.