Couronnement de Voltaire (The Crowning of Voltaire)
1782
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1782
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This print shows a crowded stage set like an ancient temple. In the center, a man in fancy clothes sits on a raised platform while a woman crowns him. Around them, actors in togas and armor wave and cheer. Above, two boxes hold more figures watching the scene. The print looks like a theater performance, not a real event. The artist used lines to create depth and light, making the scene feel dramatic. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this made detailed prints.
