Artwork
The Marriage Presents
The Marriage Presents is a watercolor print by the Baroque artist Louis-Marin Bonnet. It dates from 1774 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: Cette piece n'a pas / eté vendue par moi: [not deciphered]
About this work
Overview
The Marriage Presents, created circa 1774 by Louis-Marin Bonnet, is a watercolor work characterized by its integration of pastel manner, pen and black ink, watercolor, and gold flocking, all framed by ornamental borders.
Subject & Meaning
The piece depicts a serene, light-skinned woman in a pale pink, lace-trimmed dress, with her hair styled high and adorned with ribbons. She gently holds a small birdcage containing a bird, set against a dramatic, dark background featuring a blue curtain and gold-leaf accents.
Technique & Style
Bonnet combined pastels with ink and watercolor to achieve smooth, nuanced colors alongside sharp, detailed elements. The ornate border, resembling gold and delicate leaves, adds a layer of opulence.
Context
While The Marriage Presents exhibits detailed ornamentation, its overall aesthetic diverges from the intense drama typical of the Baroque style, instead embracing a softer, more restrained approach.
History & Provenance
Created in the mid-18th century (c. 1774), specific details regarding the work's commission, original ownership, and exhibition history are not provided in the available information.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
- Charms of the Morning
Portrait d'une jeune princesse
L'agreable neglige
Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Woman in a Blue Dress
Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Woman in a Blue Dress
Portrait of the Marquise d'Aguirandes
Les cerises
Portrait of a Lady
Fredrika Carleson (1743-1794), gift med 1. Carl Erik Wadenstierna, 2. Fredrik von Post