Artwork
Chevalerie rustique; L'Amante du Christ; Marié; Les Bouchers
Chevalerie rustique; L'Amante du Christ; Marié; Les Bouchers is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Adolphe Léon Willette. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower right in stone: A. Willette; upper right printed: LE / Théâtre Libre / SAISON 1888-89... / CHEVALERIE RUSTIQUE... / L'AMANTE DU CHRIST... / MARIÉ... / LES BOUCHERS... / De la part de MM. de PORTO-RICHE, RUDOLPHE DARZENS et PAUL SOLANGES / Paris. --Imp. Eugène Verneau, 108, rue de la Folie-Méricourt
About this work
Overview
Chevalerie rustique; L'Amante du Christ; Marié; Les Bouchers is a color lithograph on wove paper created by Adolphe Léon Willette in 1888. It is a representative work by a French artist known for his contributions to painting, illustration, and lithography in late 19th-century Paris.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a kneeling knight and a woman in a medieval setting, blending elements of romance and religion. The scene is characterized by a contrast between light and shadow, with the woman's gown illuminated and the knight's face obscured.
Technique & Style
Willette's use of bold outlines and flat colors in this lithograph reflects the influence of Japanese woodblock prints, which were popular during this period. The resulting composition has a poster-like quality, with strong shapes and bright contrasts.
Context
This work is part of Willette's output as a lithographer and illustrator, and is related to his work as a caricaturist and designer for the Moulin Rouge cabaret.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Adolphe Léon Willette (30 July 1857 – 4 February 1926) was a French painter, illustrator, caricaturist, and lithographer, as well as an architect of the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret.
