Le Masque au caffé (The Masked Man Taking Coffee)
1775
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1775
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows a man in a black mask and fur-lined coat, holding a small cup. Behind him, a cluttered table holds bottles, a teapot, and a candle. A wobbly chair sits empty to the right, and the floor looks uneven. The text at the bottom calls it *Le Masque au Caffé*, meaning "The Masked Man Taking Coffee." The man’s outfit and the messy room suggest a mix of mystery and everyday life. Next, check out the technique: etching, drypoint, aquatint to see how artists like this made detailed prints.
