Le Menuet de la mariee (The Bride's Minuet)

1786

Philibert-Louis Debucourt

Associated Names
Philibert-Louis Debucourt

Artist/publisher, French, 1755 - 1832

The painting depicts an outdoor gathering scene with figures engaged in conversation, dancing, and various activities typical of a festive event. The central focus is a group of people in elaborate period costumes, with others around them in different postures. There is a makeshift dwelling or pavilion draped with fabric in the background. Trees and a cloudy sky complete the setting. This artwork is in the style of Thomas Rowlandson, known for his detailed depiction of English social life in the 18th century.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    color etching and wash manner on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Widener Collection

  • Dimensions

    image (with framing line): 30.7 × 23.4 cm (12 1/16 × 9 3/16 in.)
    plate: 38.6 × 28.5 cm (15 3/16 × 11 1/4 in.)
    sheet: 45 × 34.1 cm (17 11/16 × 13 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1942.9.2261

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Fenaille 1899, no. 8, State iv/vi

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1944

  • French Prints and Drawings of the XVIIIth Century, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1944-1945, no catalogue.

1983

  • Graphic Survey Show, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., July 1983.

2003

  • Colorful Impressions: The Printmaking Revolution in Eighteenth-Century France, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2003-2004, no. 58a, as Le Menuet de la marieé (The Bride's Minuet).

Bibliography

1899

  • Fenaille, Maurice. L'Oeuvre grave de P.L. Debucourt (1755-1832). Paris: Librairie Damascene Morgand, 1899.

2003

  • Colorful Impressions: The Printmaking Revolution in Eighteenth-Century France. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2003-2004: no. 58a.

Markings

recto: none; verso: National Gallery of Art

Wikidata ID

Q64961033

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