Dame de Qualite a sa Toilette

DateCa. 1695-1700

Publisher Nicolas Bonnart (ca. 1637 - 1718)

Engraver Robert Bonnart (1652 - 1729)

OriginEurope, France, Paris

MediumBlack and white line engraving and etching with hand color

DimensionsOH: 10 1/4" x OW: 7 1/4" plate H: 9" x W: 6 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1941-10

DescriptionLower margin reads: "R.B. del. N. Bonnart, rue S.t Jacques, a l'aigle avec privi/ Dame de Qualité à sa Toilette./ Je suis de qualité, bien-faite, jeune et belle,/ Si mon ajustement pouvoit plaire aux humains;/ Et si leur passion devenoit criminelle/ Pour moy, je m'en lave les mains."
Label TextA beautiful young French women is seen making her toilette. She washes her hands in a basin. The basin is being filled with fresh water by a serving boy. A serving women fixes her hair. Still another male servant holds out a towel for her. On the dressing table in front of the young woman is a mirror, jewel box and makeup. The room is elegantly furnished and through the window, a large wealthy home is indicated. It is interesting to note the use of strong orange color on all of the people's cheeks for early color techniques.