Foire de Village

Charles-Melchior Descourtis after Nicolas Antoine Taunay

National Gallery of Art

This print shows a village fair with various people engaged in different activities. To the right, two performers are on a stage, one of whom is dressed in a colorful costume and wearing a black mask, the other dressed in pale clothing. A young boy with a drum is next to the stage, his back to us, and two dogs are nearby on the left. In the background, tents are set up, and a crowd of people gather around them, many facing the stage. Trees with green and brown leaves arch overhead. The sky is a blend of pastel blue and cream colors, and the color palette of the print is mainly earthy tones with pops of color from clothing. Below the print are a few lines of text and what looks like a crest with a shield.”