Artwork

Rural Recreation

Rural Recreation, by Jean Baptiste Le Prince, 1769
Rural Recreation, by Jean Baptiste Le Prince, 1769

Rural Recreation is a print by the Romanticist artist Jean Baptiste Le Prince. It dates from 1769 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1927.334

About this work

Overview

Rural Recreation is a print by Le Prince, showcasing a serene countryside scene.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts people leisurely enjoying the outdoors, surrounded by trees under a sunny sky, conveying a sense of relaxation.

Technique & Style

Le Prince employed a refined aquatint method to reproduce his wash drawings, using resin particles and acid to achieve granular tones on the printing plate, mimicking the subtle light and shadow gradations of his original drawings.

Context

The use of chiaroscuro, an artistic technique emphasizing contrasts between light and dark, is evident in the print's nuanced representation of light and shadow.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jean Baptiste Le Prince

Jean-Baptiste Nicolas Le Prince (September 17, 1734 – September 30, 1781) was an important French etcher and painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Rural Recreation?

Rural Recreation was painted by Jean Baptiste Le Prince in 1769.

Where can I see Rural Recreation?

Rural Recreation is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Rural Recreation?

Rural Recreation is associated with Romanticism.