L'heureuse fécondité

L'heureuse fécondité

Nicolas Delaunay

1777

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This engraving shows a cozy, cluttered room with a group of people and kids gathered around a woman lying on a bed. She’s holding a baby while another child plays nearby. A man sits in the corner, looking down, and a dog sleeps on the floor. The walls are plain, but the edges of the print have fancy leafy designs. The title *L’heureuse fécondité* hints this scene might celebrate family and fertility. The artist used fine lines and shading to create depth, which is typical for detailed engravings. Check out engraving to see how artists like this made prints with just ink and metal.

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