Qu'en dit l'Abbé?

Nicolas Delaunay after Nicolas Lavreince

National Gallery of Art

This print features nine individuals in an opulent interior. The people are shown engaging in various poses, including standing, sitting, and leaning. They all have pale skin and elaborate hairstyles of white and gray curls. Their clothing is formal and richly detailed, with the women wearing ornate gowns with ruffles and the men dressed in tailored suits with waistcoats and breeches. To the right of center, a woman lounges in a chair, with two people attending to her, one of them combing her hair. On the left, three people are turned toward her, examining a long sheet of paper or cloth decorated with curving vines. Behind them, two people whisper together on the far left. On the far right, a person sits with their back to us, appearing to work with a stringed instrument like a lute. The setting is an elegant room with a high ceiling adorned with decorative garlands, columns, and draped curtains framing large arched windows. The ceiling features cherubs and intricate molding. In the background, tall doors with classical details can be seen, partially open.