Suite de Figures Chinoises. . . Tiré du Cabinet de Mr. d'Azaincourt
Original title: Suite de Figures Chinoises. . . Tiré du Cabinet de Mr. d'Azaincourt
kurzbeschreibung
Between 1755 and 1776, Jean Pierre Louis Laurent Hoüel produced this etching and engraving. A woman in traditional Chinese dress, holding a costume piece in her hand, stands in the foreground, turned slightly to the side and looking to the left. The print belongs to a series drawn from the collection of Mr. d'Azaincourt.
Description
A richly ornamented Chinese robe, with folds and ribbons, conveys movement and a sense of fabric. The woman's hair is piled high and adorned with flowers. In her hand lies an object that recalls a traditional Chinese musical instrument or a costume part, with several openings and a long handle. A symmetrical landscape with trees, bushes, and a building forms the backdrop. The monochrome rendering in various shades of gray shows even light and fine gradations of shadow.
Context
The eighteenth century saw a strong reception of Chinese art and culture in Europe (chinoiserie). François Boucher supplied the design, and Jean Houel carried out the etching and engraving. The works were assembled from Mr. d'Azaincourt's collection, which points to an aristocratic or courtly circle of patrons. Such prints often served as decorative collectibles and spread exotic motifs across Europe.
Impact
The delicate linework and even shading create a calm, elegant effect. The symmetrical layout and the detailed rendering of the clothing give the sheet an ornamental quality typical of chinoiserie.
Technique
The combination of etching and engraving allows for fine lines and precise shading. This technique produces clear definition of forms and a subtle rendering of texture, as was common in eighteenth-century printmaking.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)