Femme de Macédoine, plate 12 from "Recueil de diverses fig.res étrangeres Inventées par F. Boucher P.tre du Roy et Gravées par F. Ravenet"
Original title: Femme de Macédoine, plate 12 from "Recueil de diverses fig.res étrangeres Inventées par F. Boucher P.tre du Roy et Gravées par F. Ravenet" (Collection of Various Foreign Figures, Devised by F. Boucher, Painter of the King and Engraved [etched] by F. Ravenet)
kurzbeschreibung
Simon Francis Ravenet the Elder produced this etching and engraving in the 18th century. Titled 'Femme de Macédoine', it presents a woman in Macedonian dress and belongs to the series 'Recueil de diverses figures étrangères', for which François Boucher supplied the designs. The print is plate 12 and measures 26.7 by 15.8 cm.
Description
A woman stands squarely in the middle, a cloth knotted at the nape of her neck. Over a skirt trimmed with lace she wears a long-sleeved tunic; her posture is upright, her gaze turned slightly to the side. Trees and a fence are loosely indicated behind her, suggesting an outdoor setting. Crisp, clear lines meet evenly distributed light, and the image remains monochrome.
Context
The designs came from François Boucher, then first painter to the king, and Simon Francis Ravenet the Elder engraved them. Boucher made the drawings in the 1730s; the prints followed later in the 18th century. Costume books of this kind were highly popular at the time and captured a growing interest in foreign cultures. This figure belongs to a collection of foreign characters intended for a European audience.
Impact
Cleanly drawn lines and the calm, upright stance give the sheet both emphasis and a certain detachment. Classical traits mix with a touch of romanticism, producing a timeless elegance. Because the clothing is described so precisely, attention falls on the sitter's cultural origins.
Technique
Etching and engraving work together here, allowing fine lines and precise detail. This method spreads light evenly and makes contours stand out clearly, as was common in 18th-century printmaking. At 26.7 by 15.8 cm the paper is relatively small, which invites close viewing.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)