18th Century French Engraving Courtship Countryside Hand Colored C 1780

This delightful hand coloured engraving was produced in France during the 18th century, circa 1780. The engraving features a courtship scene titled ‘Les Agréments De La Campagne’ (The Amenities of the Countryside). The scene takes inspiration from a painting by Nicolas Lancret (b 1690 – d 1743) who was a French painter who specialised in scenes depicting French social life.

The text below reads: ‘Loin du tumulte des villes. On goule des plaisirs charmants. Endansant une fille agile, sait captiver plus d'un amant.’

(Far from the hustle and bustle of the cities. We indulge in delightful pleasures. Dancing, an agile girl knows how to captivate more than one lover)

The scene features a couple dancing; the fashionable young lady can be seen wearing pink dress with a tiara. We also see another couple, the man is playing the violin with his wife sat next to him reading a book. We love the colors of the clothing, and the pretty urn full of roses.

The engraving features printers/publishers’ details but they have since faded. This is a rare engraving, housed behind old glass in its original stained wood frame. The engraving is complete with its original backing paper with original owners’ inscription for dates as early as the 1770s. This is the perfect item for anyone who loves all things French!

Measuring: Frame width 7 inch (18 cm) by height 8 ¾ inch (22 cm). Aperture width 5 ¾ inch (14.5 cm) by height 7 ¾ inch (19 cm).

Condition: A few minor old holes to edges of paper, light surface wear to frame commensurate with age.