Artwork

Rien de trop (Nothing in Excess)

Rien de trop (Nothing in Excess), by Pierre Etienne Moitte, ink, 1756
Rien de trop (Nothing in Excess), by Pierre Etienne Moitte, ink, 1756

Rien de trop (Nothing in Excess) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Pierre Etienne Moitte. It dates from 1756 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Rien de trop (Nothing in Excess) is a hand-colored etching created by Pierre Etienne Moitte in 1756.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene scene of two dogs herding sheep toward a classical building on a hill, set against a backdrop of trees, ruins, and a lake. The title Rien de trop suggests the image conveys a message about balance and moderation.

Technique & Style

Moitte employed a range of lines and shading techniques to achieve depth in the etching, a characteristic method used in printmaking. The addition of hand-coloring enhances the visual contrast between the dark dogs and white sheep against the green and blue tones.

Rien de trop (Nothing in Excess)
Rien de trop (Nothing in Excess), Pierre Etienne Moitte

Artist & collection

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

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Rien de trop (Nothing in Excess)?

Rien de trop (Nothing in Excess) was painted by Pierre Etienne Moitte in 1756.

Where can I see Rien de trop (Nothing in Excess)?

Rien de trop (Nothing in Excess) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Rien de trop (Nothing in Excess)?

Rien de trop (Nothing in Excess) is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Rien de trop (Nothing in Excess)?

Museum-quality prints of Rien de trop (Nothing in Excess) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.