Les Baignets

Les Baignets

Nicolas Delaunay

1782

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This black-and-white print shows a group of people—mostly kids—gathered in a dim, rocky space. Some are sitting, others are playing or holding food, while a woman in the center seems to be cooking or serving. The scene feels cozy but crowded, with a mix of relaxed and curious expressions. A basket of bread sits nearby, and a shield with a crown and musical instruments hangs below the scene. The title *Les Baignets* (which means "the bathers") hints this might be about kids playing near water, but here they’re indoors. The artist used fine lines to show textures like fabric and skin, making it feel almost like a sketch. Try looking up etching to see how this print was made.

More by Nicolas Delaunay

Artifact World Gallery — 100,000 artworks Get the app