The Romancer
1727
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1727
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This print shows a woman playing a lute while two men and a boy crowd around her. One man leans in close, listening, while the other holds a paper. The woman’s dress is loose and flowing, and a small dog sits near her feet. Above them, a tree branch frames their scene, with birds and flowers adding detail. The text below is in French, describing the woman’s skill and the men’s reactions. The style is dramatic, with strong lines and deep shadows. Next, look up Baroque to see how this fits into that bold, emotional art style.