Nox (Night)

c. 1640

Charles Le Brun

Associated Names
Charles Le Brun

Artist, French, 1619 - 1690

The image shows two figures lying on the ground. The figure in the foreground is leaning against the second figure's legs. The first person has a muscular build, with short, tousled hair. The second figure is partially reclined with their head propped and feet extended. Both figures' faces are obscured. The scene is set outdoors with rocky formations and foliage in the background. Behind them is a large urn-like object emitting strong light or fire, illuminating the scene with contrasting light and shadow.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching with engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 18.8 x 23.5 cm (7 3/8 x 9 1/4 in.)
    sheet: 19.4 x 24.4 cm (7 5/8 x 9 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2007.18.4

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Robert-Dumesnil, no. 7, State iii/iv

  • Series Title

    The Four Times of Day (plate 4)

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Paul Prouté S.A., Paris); purchased 2007 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1939

  • IFF (1600)

1967

  • Robert-Dumesnil, A.P.F. Le peintre-graveur francais, ou catalogue raisonne des estampes gravees par les peintres et les dessinateurs de l'ecole francaise, ouvrage faisant suite au peintre-graveur de M. Bartsch. Reprint (11 vols. in 6). Paris: F. deNobe

Inscriptions

upper right in image: LeBrun invent. fecit; lower right in plate: P. Mariette excudit

Wikidata ID

Q76337301

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