Le Calandrier des Vieillards
Original title: Le Calandrier des Vieillards (The Calendar of Old Men, from Suite d'Estampes Nouvelles pour les Contes de la Fontaine (Series of New Prints for the Tales of La Fontaine)
kurzbeschreibung
Nicolas de Larmessin III produced this etching and engraving in the 18th century as part of the series Suite d'Estampes Nouvelles pour les Contes de la Fontaine. It captures a lively indoor gathering that opens onto a garden, where women, children and a man in historical dress interact.
Description
Light spills through an open door and windows, revealing a park beyond. In the foreground, three women in sumptuous gowns converse; one holds a walking stick and a bag, another sits on a bench with a child. To the right, several children have settled on the floor, while at the back a man in traditional attire leans toward the women. A ship with masts and sails is visible, and on the ground lie a purse and a walking stick.
Context
The print belongs to a series illustrating the fables of Jean de La Fontaine. Nicolas de Larmessin III, an 18th-century French engraver and publisher, was known for his faithful reproductions. The plates in this suite visualized literary tales and were aimed at a wealthy, art-loving audience.
Impact
The abundance of detail and the splendid costumes give the image a vivid, almost narrative appeal. The contrast between the bright view into the garden and the darker interior draws attention to the figures and their interaction.
Technique
Etching and engraving are combined here, a method that allows fine lines and precise shading. As a result, fabrics, faces and architectural details can be rendered with great accuracy.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)