Charles-Melchior Descourtis

French, 1753 - 1820

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The image shows two people in a park. One person is standing, covering the eyes of the seated individual. The standing person has curly brown hair, a hat with a red ribbon, and wears a light-colored dress with a brown sash. The seated person wears a red vest, a blue coat, and beige trousers. The seated person is smiling and leaning back. The setting includes lush greenery, trees, flowering bushes, a large potted plant on a stone pedestal, and a stone cherub statue. Papers are scattered on the ground.
Charles-Melchior Descourtis, L'Amant surpris, c. 1798-1810, color etching and engraving on wove paper, Widener Collection, 1942.9.2243

L'Amant surpris

Charles-Melchior Descourtis · c. 1798-1810 · color etching and engraving on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1942.9.2243

The image is a portrait showing the upper body of a woman, including her head, shoulders, and chest. She is positioned facing slightly to her right, with her head turned toward the viewer. Her facial features include a fair complexion, light-colored eyes, and a neutral expression. She has voluminous, powdered hair styled in an 18th-century fashion, with elaborate curls and two long braids over her shoulders, adorned with a decorative black band. She is wearing a sheer, delicate gown with a high, ruffled neckline, and a prominent pink sash draped over her right shoulder. Around her neck is a brooch-like adornment beneath the ruffles. The background is plain with a dark oval framing the portrait, providing contrast against the paleness of the paper surrounding it.
Charles-Melchior Descourtis, Rudolph Samuel Henzi, Frederica Sophia Wilhelmina of Prussia, Princess of Orange Nassau, 1791, color etching and wash-manner engraving on wove paper, Widener Collection, 1942.9.2475

Frederica Sophia Wilhelmina of Prussia, Princess of Orange Nassau

Charles-Melchior Descourtis, Rudolph Samuel Henzi · 1791 · color etching and wash-manner engraving on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1942.9.2475

The image depicts an outdoor scene from what appears to be an 18th-century setting. The point of view is from a slight elevation, showing a crowd gathered for a performance on a small stage to the right. The stage is surrounded by tall trees with lush foliage blending into the sky. The horizon is not visible, as the scene is enclosed by the foliage and stage. The brushstrokes are fine and detailed, capturing intricate textures of trees, clothing, and facial expressions of the figures. The color palette is muted and earthy, with shades of green dominating the landscape, contrasted by warmer tones of people's attire. Closest to us, two dogs stand on the grass, while a child holds a woman's hand slightly left of center. Further in the distance, behind the crowd, tents are pitched, indicating a temporary festive setting.
Charles-Melchior Descourtis, Foire de Village, 1788, color etching and wash-manner engraving, Widener Collection, 1942.9.2473

Foire de Village

Charles-Melchior Descourtis · 1788 · color etching and wash-manner engraving ·  Accession ID  1942.9.2473

This print shows a village fair with various people engaged in different activities. To the right, two performers are on a stage, one of whom is dressed in a colorful costume and wearing a black mask, the other dressed in pale clothing. A young boy with a drum is next to the stage, his back to us, and two dogs are nearby on the left. In the background, tents are set up, and a crowd of people gather around them, many facing the stage. Trees with green and brown leaves arch overhead. The sky is a blend of pastel blue and cream colors, and the color palette of the print is mainly earthy tones with pops of color from clothing. Below the print are a few lines of text and what looks like a crest with a shield.”
Charles-Melchior Descourtis, Foire de Village, 1788, color etching and wash-manner engraving, Widener Collection, 1942.9.2144

Foire de Village

Charles-Melchior Descourtis · 1788 · color etching and wash-manner engraving ·  Accession ID  1942.9.2144

This is a painting of an outdoor gathering under a large tent. The scene depicts a bustling setting with various colors and forms. The tent covers people who are sitting and standing. There are elements such as a table and objects seen outside the tent. The background has trees under a clear sky with scattered clouds, and the foreground shows figures seated, standing, or walking. This is in the style of Jean-Baptiste Greuze.
Charles-Melchior Descourtis, Noce de Village (Village Wedding), 1785, color wash-manner engraving on laid paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1958.8.82

Noce de Village (Village Wedding)

Charles-Melchior Descourtis · 1785 · color wash-manner engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1958.8.82

This is a painting of a village scene under a large tent. The painting depicts numerous figures in a rustic outdoor setting. The central focus is a figure dressed in a white garment in the foreground, appearing to be in motion. Around the figures under the tent are others engaged in conversation and socializing. The scene is detailed with wooden furniture, musical instruments, pets, and traditional attire. The tent is made of draped fabric, with trees and a clouded sky in the background. The style is reminiscent of Jean-Honoré Fragonard, known for Rococo-style paintings filled with social interactions.
Charles-Melchior Descourtis, Noce de Village (Village Wedding), 1785, color etching and wash-manner engraving on laid paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1958.8.86

Noce de Village (Village Wedding)

Charles-Melchior Descourtis · 1785 · color etching and wash-manner engraving on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1958.8.86

This is a drawing of a scene with faint figures and shapes. The image features minimal lines in soft red or pink outlining shapes and possible figures in a light background. The upper portion is mostly blank, while the lower portion shows sketch-like lines and forms that suggest a gathering or event, without clear details. The use of soft tones gives the drawing an ethereal and unfinished appearance.
Charles-Melchior Descourtis, Noce de Village (Village Wedding), 1785, etching and wash-manner engraving printed in pink on laid paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1958.8.83

Noce de Village (Village Wedding)

Charles-Melchior Descourtis · 1785 · etching and wash-manner engraving printed in pink on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1958.8.83

This is a painting of a gathering or fair scene depicted in monochrome blue. The image shows a crowded scene with numerous figures gathered under a series of draped tents. There are multiple figures grouped together, and the tents create a framework in the scene. The presence of trees and soft clouds indicates an outdoor setting.
Charles-Melchior Descourtis, Noce de Village (Village Wedding), 1785, wash-manner engraving printed in blue on laid paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1958.8.81

Noce de Village (Village Wedding)

Charles-Melchior Descourtis · 1785 · wash-manner engraving printed in blue on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1958.8.81

The image shows a view from a high vantage point looking over a river. Distant mountains covered in haze are visible against a cloudy sky on the horizon. A bridge arches over the river, featuring travelers and animals crossing it. The landscape includes cliffs and turbulent water, rendered with precise brushstrokes. The color palette is muted with greens, browns, and blues under a pastel sky.
Charles-Melchior Descourtis, Vue d'un pont sur l'Aar, Canton de Berne (View of a Bridge on the Aar, Berne), 1785, etching, aquatint, and wash manner, printed in color on laid paper, Gift of Ivan E. and Winifred Phillips, 2019.26.1

Vue d'un pont sur l'Aar, Canton de Berne (View of a Bridge on the Aar, Berne)

Charles-Melchior Descourtis · 1785 · etching, aquatint, and wash manner, printed in color on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2019.26.1

The image shows a scene from a slightly elevated angle. There is a central gathering of people under a large tent-like structure, with a woman in a light dress, children, and a dog nearby. In the background, more figures are among trees. The brushwork is soft, creating a blurred effect. The color palette consists of warm peach, orange, and soft yellow tones.
Charles-Melchior Descourtis, Noce de Village (Village Wedding), 1785, wash-manner engraving printed in ochre and red on laid paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1958.8.80

Noce de Village (Village Wedding)

Charles-Melchior Descourtis · 1785 · wash-manner engraving printed in ochre and red on laid paper ·  Accession ID  1958.8.80