Artwork Page for Spray of Flowers

Details / Information for Spray of Flowers

Series Title: Étude de fleurs d'après nature

Spray of Flowers

c. 1774–1800

Roubillac

(French, 1739-)
Culture
France, 18th century
Medium
crayon manner etching
Credit Line
Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland in honor of Mrs. William G. Mather 1955.476
Catalogue raisonné
Dunthorne 236.268
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Crayon manner etching was invented in the 18th century to simulate the texture of chalk drawings, which were very popular at the time. A tool with toothed points of varying thicknesses set at irregular intervals and angles (mattoir) imitated the random character of grains of chalk on textured paper. Etudes de fleurs d’après nature demonstrates how prints propagated floral designs that could be used in the applied arts. Artisans designing textiles or decorating furniture, for instance, were inspired by the compositions found on prints.
A vertically oriented crayon manner etching in reddish-brown ink on cream paper depicts a dense bundle of flowers. A central bouquet of large, open blossoms and jagged leaves fills the upper two-thirds. Below this main mass, two isolated sprigs flank the bottom corners: a leafy stem with small round flowers on the left and a single ruffled bloom on the right. Grainy textures and fine lines create soft shading throughout.

Spray of Flowers

c. 1774–1800

Roubillac

(French, 1739-)
France, 18th century

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