Etude du dessin (The Drawing Lesson)

About this work

This black-and-white print shows three men in a dimly lit room. One sits at a table, sketching a draped statue. Another stands behind him, holding tools and a bag. A third man leans against a wall, watching. The statue looks like it’s missing its head, and there’s a pot on the floor. The artist signed this print in 1757, and it’s called *The Drawing Lesson*. The text at the bottom mentions a king’s cabinet, so this might be a royal workshop. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this made detailed prints.