After-dinner
Original title: After-dinner
kurzbeschreibung
Gilles Edme Petit’s etching After-dinner captures a woman in baroque dress holding a bird in her hand. The undated print, executed as an etching with engraving, measures 31.3 by 21.7 cm.
Description
An elaborate headdress with a flower crowns the woman, and a pearl necklace adorns her neck. Her gown looks elegant, with fine lace and folds. In her hand she holds a small creature that resembles a bird. Blurred trees and a dark sky form the backdrop.
Context
The Frenchman Gilles Edme Petit worked as a copperplate engraver in the 18th century, producing mainly reproductions after old master paintings. This print likely originated in the milieu of the Paris art market, where reproductive engravings were in high demand. The title After-dinner suggests a genre scene or a portrait with allegorical overtones.
Impact
First, the eye is drawn to the woman’s bright flesh tones and jewellery, which stand out sharply against the dark background. Fine lines and the detailed rendering of fabric and ornament create an elegant impression. The high-contrast arrangement brings the figure forward and gives the sheet a calm, intimate mood.
Technique
Etching and additional engraving are used in this print, as can be seen in the precise contours and delicate shading. This method allows textures and lighting effects to be reproduced with great detail.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)