Artwork
Mlle. Lavergne
Mlle. Lavergne is an ink print by the Baroque artist Simon Francois Ravenet I. It dates from 1733 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1733, this print by Simon François Ravenet I combines engraving and etching to portray a solitary woman seated in a chair.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1733, this print by Simon François Ravenet I combines engraving and etching to portray a solitary woman seated in a chair. The composition centers on her, set against a darkened backdrop that isolates the figure and emphasizes the delicate handling of line and tone.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter holds a sheet of paper in her right hand, suggesting a moment of reading or contemplation. Dressed in a corseted gown with visible lace and embroidered detailing, she wears a modest bow in her hair and a cross-shaped pendant, hinting at personal piety or social status.
Technique & Style
Ravenet employs fine engraved lines to render the intricate textures of the dress, while the etching technique softens shadows and creates atmospheric depth. The contrast between sharply defined ornamentation and the subdued background demonstrates the artist’s mastery of printmaking processes.
History & Provenance
The work originates from early 18th‑century France, a period when portrait prints served both decorative and documentary purposes. Though specific ownership records are scarce, the piece is attributed to Ravenet’s early career, reflecting his reputation as a skilled reproductive engraver.
Context
During the 1730s, French printmakers frequently produced intimate portraiture for private collectors, often emphasizing modest elegance and personal virtue. This image aligns with contemporary tastes for refined, domestic subjects rendered with meticulous craftsmanship.
Artist & collection
