Sketch of Clothed Torso n.d.

Nicolas Lancret made this sketch of a clothed torso with chalk on grey paper in France, some time in the first half of the 18th century. As you can see, it’s a preliminary study for a painting; Lancret was an artist who specialized in ‘fêtes galantes’, paintings of elegant parties enjoyed by the aristocracy. The ‘Académie Royale de peinture et de sculpture’ played a major role in French art at this time, teaching artists and mounting exhibitions. Lancret was admitted to the Académie in 1719, but it was a conservative institution that set strict guidelines about what kind of art was acceptable. While historical and religious subjects were considered most elevated, Lancret made his career depicting fashionable society. His art reflects the aristocratic social milieu that he lived in. Understanding this sketch and the paintings that developed from it requires us to research the fashions, social customs, and institutions that supported artists like Lancret. Only then can we properly appreciate the nuances of his art.