Jacques-Philippe Le Bas (1707–1783) - Conversation galante

As reported in the inscription at the bottom right (“pour sa reception à l'Académie 1743”), this was the work presented by Le Bas for his formal admission to the prestigious Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture.

The print depicts a typical gallant scene (or fête galante) set in an idyllic garden.

The marginal writings also provide the dimensions of the original painting expressed in feet (“de 2 p.s de hauteur sur 1 p.s de largeur”). Copies of this famous engraving are preserved in important museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The paper presents a diffuse amber tone. This phenomenon is natural, caused by the oxidation of the cellulose and animal glue used in the manufacture of antique paper. Foxing and slight halos: a few very light brown spots or damp halos scattered (particularly near the outer margins and in the sky area).