Artwork
Le glouton
Le glouton is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jean-Baptiste Blaise Simonet. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Jean‑Baptiste Blaise Simonet’s print *Le glouton* is an 1794 engraving that captures a bustling interior scene. Rendered in black‑and‑white, the work measures the typical size of a late‑eighteenth‑century etching and presents a compact tableau of figures gathered around a table.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts five individuals—two men, two women, and a small dog—engaged in a noisy meal. One man leans on a cane, another slouches in a chair, while a woman fans herself. The half‑eaten plate and the title, meaning “the glutton,” suggest a satirical commentary on overindulgence and the disorder of excess.
Technique & Style
Simonet employed a combination of engraving and etching, using fine, incisive lines to delineate the figures and the dimly lit room. The contrast between sharply rendered outlines and softer tonal areas creates texture on the heavy curtains, fireplace, and the dog’s fur, emphasizing the chaotic energy of the gathering.
History & Provenance
Created in 1794, *Le glouton* reflects the period’s interest in genre scenes that blend humor with social observation. The print has passed through several private collections before entering the museum’s holdings, where it serves as an example of late‑18th‑century French printmaking.
Artist & collection
