Le lever

About this work

This print shows a dimly lit bedroom with two women in fancy 18th-century dresses. One woman is lying in bed holding a baby, while the other kneels beside her, adjusting the bedclothes. A third woman stands nearby with a basket of fruit, and a dog sits on the floor. The room has heavy curtains, a draped canopy over the bed, and a mirror reflecting light. The artist paid close attention to the soft folds of the fabric and the gentle curves of the women’s poses. The lighting is subtle, focusing on the faces and hands rather than the whole room. Next, check out the technique: etching, drypoint, aquatint to see how artists like Massard created these fine details.