![Simon Francis Ravenet, the elder — Reverse copy of Contadina, 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), plate 7](https://oldart.vernisio.com/archiv/Simon_Francis_Ravenet_the_elder/Simon_Francis_Ravenet_the_elder_Reverse_copy_of_Contadina_Recueil_de_diverses_fig._18th_century_gross.jpg)
Reverse copy of Contadina, 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), plate 7
Original title: Reverse copy of Contadina, 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), plate 7
kurzbeschreibung
A peasant woman in traditional dress, etched and engraved by Simon Francis Ravenet the elder after a design by François Boucher, forms the heart of this 18th-century print. She stands amid a rural setting framed by trees and shrubs, her presence calm and self-assured.
Description
A long-sleeved dress and a belted apron define her attire. Her hair is gathered into a knot, and a string of pearls encircles her neck. In her hands she holds a cloth or piece of fabric. Trees and bushes suggest a countryside backdrop. The layout is symmetrical, with the figure placed centrally. Hatching and linear strokes create light and shadow, typical of ink or engraving.
Context
This engraving belongs to a series designed by François Boucher and executed by Ravenet; Boucher served as Premier Peintre du Roi. The suite gathered 'foreign' figures—here an Italian peasant woman (Contadina)—and enjoyed great popularity in 18th-century France. Such prints carried Boucher's inventions beyond the court and were used as models for decorations and collections.
Impact
The woman's calm, frontal gaze meets the viewer directly, and together with the symmetrical arrangement it produces a balanced and dignified impression. The delicate line and clear contour give the sheet a graphic elegance that underscores the decorative character of the source design.
Technique
Etching followed by engraving allows for fine lines and precise hatching. The paper measures 22 x 16.3 cm, as is usual for single prints from a series. The technique permitted large editions and made the composition accessible to a wide audience.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)