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Ambassades envoyées des extrêmités de la Terre (Embassies Sent from the Extremities of the Globe) [pl. 15]

Jean-Baptiste Massé

1752

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century

Dominant colour

Ambassades envoyées des extrêmités de la Terre (Embassies Sent from the Extremities of the Globe) [pl. 15] is a 1752 ink by Jean-Baptiste Massé, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Jean-Baptiste Massé
When & what style?: 1752 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This image is a black-and-white engraving packed with figures and details. At the center, a seated woman in flowing robes holds a staff, while a kneeling man offers her something. Above them, a giant mask with a crown floats, surrounded by two cherubs—one holding a wreath, the other a scroll. On either side, muscular standing figures pose dramatically, one with a scroll, the other with a staff. The whole scene is framed by ornate carvings, garlands, and swirling patterns. The title at the bottom hints this print tells a story about distant lands sending gifts. The mix of human figures, masks, and classical poses suggests a grand, symbolic scene. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this carved intricate details into metal plates.

About the artist

Artist

Jean-Baptiste Massé

Jean-Baptiste Massé (29 December 1687, in Paris – 26 September 1767, in Paris) was a French miniature painter, engraver, and draftsman, best remembered as the court painter of Louis XV, for training Jean-Étienne Liotard…

See the richer artist page