Artwork

La Nuit (Night)

La Nuit (Night), by Nicolas François Regnault, ink, 1784
La Nuit (Night), by Nicolas François Regnault, ink, 1784

La Nuit (Night) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Nicolas François Regnault. It dates from 1784 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

La Nuit (Night) is an etching created by Nicolas François Regnault around 1784. It is a print on laid paper, made using etching and stipple etching techniques.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene nighttime scene: a woman lies asleep in bed, accompanied by a small dog on the floor. The dimly lit room is characterized by an atmosphere of quiet intimacy, achieved through the interplay of shadows and light.

Technique & Style

Regnault's use of etching and stipple etching techniques lends the image a high level of detail and texture, contributing to its realistic effect. The medium allows for subtle gradations of tone, enhancing the overall sense of calm.

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.