print of a noble woman standing at a washstand, reading, while a servant standing behind her is doing her hair; next to her, a noble man sitting in an armchair.
Border: the narrative picture is framed within an elaborate trompe l'oeil neoclassical carved panel which features a central band of repeating concentric circles which are adorned with leaf forms between each section. At the corners are rosettes. Beneath this frame is a central panel, bordered by a detailed patterned convex mould, which houses the title 'La toilette'. At either side of the panel there is a corbel, adorned with acanthus leaf and faceted scroll. Image: the scene depicts a dressing room, a gentleman is seated and observes an aristocratic woman at her 'toilette'. She is assisted by her presumed companion / lady in waiting. The setting, a room with an opened panel door, featuring a pattern of architrave, and richly patterned billowing blue curtains at the open window. An elaborate clock in wreathed lyre form shows 3 o'clock on the dial. Above the door is a panel depicting two putti. Below this is a carved branch of laurel. A drapery hangs from the wall adjacent to the door. The three figures are centrally placed and are arranged around the rococo dressing mirror and lace covered dressing table. On the table is an opened container, possibly powder. The central figure, presumably an aristocrat is in the act of dressing-she is being laced into a corset by her female assistant. The central figure wears a bodice and corset, and only a petticoat which is bunched up at the back revealing her stockinged legs and shoes. Her costume is mainly white, the corset blue / green and pink. The lady in waiting wears a white dress of the 1770's with accentuated paniers. She wears a bonnet. The gentleman, who is seated opposite sits cross-legged in a relaxed pose, in a Louis XV arm chair, with two front legs raised. His sword is at his side and hat, upside down, on his lap. His arm extends over the back of the chair, revealing that he holds a posey of roses in his left hand. His red frock coat is adorned with a medal in the form of a cross. He wears knee breeches, hose and buckled shoes. The gentleman appears to be in conversation with the woman dressing. to the left is a Louis XV bergere draped with a fine dress. At its base is a small spaniel, looking up toward the woman dressing. to the right, an open trunk reveals ribbons, wreaths and a fan. technique: Line engraving, hand coloured in a later process. Large area of cross hatching, stipple etc. plate mark not visible. The print is engraved and hand coloured in a later process. Evidence of hand colouring is found in the uneven application of colour. The principal method being cross-hatching, which is most clearly apparent on the left column, the floor and the canopy. Areas of single parallel engraved lines are evident on the pilasters, wall surfaces and flesh, as well as the simulated picture mount and cartouche