Le roman dangereux
1781
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1781
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Le roman dangereux is a 1781 ink by Isidore-Stanislas Helman, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This scene shows a messy bedroom with a man slumped in a chair, a woman sprawled on a bed, and a dog lying nearby. Heavy curtains frame a window, and a mirror leans against the wall. The floor is littered with clothes and a hat. A bust sits on a pedestal in the corner, and a coat hangs over a chair. The title *Le roman dangereux* hints at a risky love story playing out here. The messy room and scattered clothes suggest drama and disarray. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like this made sharp, detailed prints.
