Artwork
Le Verre d'eau
Le Verre d'eau is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Nicolas Ponce. It dates from 1787 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Le Verte d’eau is an 1787 engraving by French printmaker Nicolas Ponce. Executed as a single sheet, the work presents a solitary nude figure in an interior setting, framed by a decorative circular border that emphasizes the intimate composition.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a reclining woman on a bed, partially covered by a sheet that reveals her breasts and legs. Her head is tipped back, arms outstretched, and her expression is tranquil, suggesting a moment of private repose rather than overt narrative.
Technique & Style
Ponce employed fine line engraving to render soft transitions of light across the skin, creating a gentle chiaroscuro that enhances the figure’s curves. The overall treatment aligns with early Romantic sensibilities, favoring emotional subtlety and a focus on the individual’s inner calm.
History & Provenance
Created in the late eighteenth century, the print reflects the period’s growing interest in erotic yet refined subjects. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is documented in catalogues of Ponce’s prints and has appeared in several nineteenth‑century collections of French engravings.
Context
During the 1780s, French art saw a shift from strict Neoclassicism toward a more personal, emotive approach. Engravings like Le Verre d’eau catered to a market for tasteful erotic imagery, often circulated among connoisseurs and private collectors.
Artist & collection
