l'Amour simple, Abattement, Le Desir (from "Caractères des passions, gravés sur les desseins de l'illustre Monsieur le Brun") 1695 - 1720

Curator: Immediately, the linear quality stands out—delicate, precise strokes delineating these heads. There is an inherent restraint in this monochromatic palette. Editor: We are looking at "l'Amour simple, Abattement, Le Desir," which translates to "Simple Love, Depression, and Desire." This print by Sébastien Le Clerc, made sometime between 1695 and 1720, captures an exploration of human emotion rooted in the 17th century. The original designs are by Charles Le Brun. Considering the political landscape of the time, I wonder what each expression would mean to different viewers. Curator: Semiotically, each head's expression operates almost like an emblem. "Simple Love," gazing upwards, evokes pious devotion perhaps. "Abattement," eyes closed, alludes to a melancholy surrender. Then "Le Desir," that slightly furrowed brow—a tension, an embodied wanting. It’s all so consciously rendered, structured to create a narrative using these faces. Editor: This depiction of varied expressions reflects Baroque ideals of passion and sentiment. But it is worth exploring why a woman's likeness is chosen to represent such an expansive spectrum of emotions. Considering that it was reproduced for instructional purposes, does it perpetuate harmful stereotypes about the perceived emotionality of women? Curator: The beauty lies in Le Clerc's masterfully economical lines. Every hatch and curve seems calibrated. These images exist as studies of expression—almost abstract studies. There is very little texture to the drawings overall. Editor: Agreed. There’s something fascinating in how they exist both as universal representations of affect, and products of their time with a potential for ingrained social commentary. Curator: The composition of simple lines enables direct and unobstructed interpretation, as they offer pure essence. Editor: That’s what I appreciate, these engravings serve as complex representations about the intersections of human emotions and the cultural lens of their era, a compelling blend that lingers long after you look away.