Artwork
La promenade du soir
La promenade du soir is an ink print by the Baroque artist Francois-Robert Ingouf. It dates from 1780 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
La promenade du soir is an engraved print executed in 1780 by the French artist Francois‑Robert Ingouf. The work measures a modest size typical of 18th‑century prints and presents a leisurely scene set in a cultivated garden, rendered in black‑line engraving on paper.
Subject & Meaning
The composition features a gentleman and two elegantly dressed women strolling together at dusk. The man holds a flower, suggesting a courtship gesture, while the women are positioned near a small dog and a wicker chair, symbols of domestic comfort. A columned pavilion and surrounding trees frame the group, reinforcing the theme of refined outdoor recreation.
Technique & Style
Ingouf employed fine incised lines to model light and shadow across the figures and foliage, a hallmark of the engraving tradition of the period. The delicate hatching creates tonal variation, while the crisp outlines define the clothing’s intricate drapery and the architectural details in the background.
History & Provenance
Created in the late eighteenth century, the print reflects the fashionable pastime of evening promenades among the French aristocracy. It is documented in several 19th‑century catalogues of French prints and has appeared in museum collections specializing in graphic arts, though its early ownership record remains sparse.
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