Arabesque with a Boat

Französische Grafik 1762–1775, early 1760s

This is a painting of a fantastical garden scene with whimsical elements and intricate, delicate structures. The painting depicts an arrangement of floral and arboreal forms creating a tapestry-like composition, interwoven with intricate patterns of latticework and figures engaged in various activities atop these structures. Small animals are perched within the branches, while vibrant colors of blues, pinks, and earthy tones create a vivid visual tapestry. Imaginary elements blend in, including a small boat at the bottom right corner with a bright orange load. The use of color and whimsical subjects suggest inspiration drawn from 18th-century European decorative arts. This is in the style of Jean-Baptiste Pillement.
Artist
Französische Grafik 1762–1775
Date
early 1760s
Type
Print
Medium
color etching inked à la poupée on laid paper
Dimensions
19.5 × 13.9 cm
Collection
National Gallery of Art, Washington
Licence
Public domain, CC0

Image description

This is a painting of a fantastical garden scene with whimsical elements and intricate, delicate structures. The painting depicts an arrangement of floral and arboreal forms creating a tapestry-like composition, interwoven with intricate patterns of latticework and figures engaged in various activities atop these structures. Small animals are perched within the branches, while vibrant colors of blues, pinks, and earthy tones create a vivid visual tapestry. Imaginary elements blend in, including a small boat at the bottom right corner with a bright orange load. The use of color and whimsical subjects suggest inspiration drawn from 18th-century European decorative arts. This is in the style of Jean-Baptiste Pillement.

Französische Grafik 1762–1775