Vrouw en twee mannen drinken wijn 1823 - 1873

Editor: So, here we have "Vrouw en twee mannen drinken wijn", or "Woman and two men drinking wine," a lithograph drawing by Célestin Nanteuil, dating somewhere between 1823 and 1873. There's a real sense of storytelling, like a freeze-frame from a play. What captures your eye about it? Curator: Oh, this one has such character! To me, it feels like stepping into a boisterous tavern scene from a Victor Hugo novel. I see the bold expressiveness, almost theatrical. The artist's romanticism is visible through the heightened emotion in these seemingly simple caricatures drinking together. What is your opinion on Nanteuil's romanticism, can you sense this dramatic shift from restraint that characterized previous movements? Editor: Absolutely, you can see that heightened emotion, especially in the gesturing figure under the sign. To me, though, there is a baroque sensibility in this image: I mean the dramatic lighting contrasts, and that sense of dynamic movement. Curator: True, it does have that dramatic flair – it's as if Caravaggio decided to illustrate a comedy! Do you feel that Nanteuil managed to merge all these concepts successfully or would it have benefited from sticking to the Romantic art principles? Editor: It's a potent blend, I'd say. The comedic edge and slight drama adds something that typical romanticism is lacking! Curator: I think I agree with you. By blending styles, Nanteuil certainly makes a compelling case for mixing tradition with something unexpected, as well as the drama in everyday life! I certainly would buy that man in the centre another glass of wine!