Own a piece of pre-Revolutionary France! This extraordinary matching pair of original hand-engraved prints by master engraver Nicolas de Launay (1739–1792) captures the sentimental charm of 18th-century domestic life. Engravings were created using an art and technique of their own and were made after paintings to allow small scale reproduction.
Le Bonheur du Ménage (left) – 1778, After Jean-Baptiste Leprince: a loving mother nurses her baby while her husband and grandmother look on—pure household happiness! 6.5” x 6.75”
La Galette (right) – 1783, Engraved by Nicolas de Launay around 1783 (some sources cite c. 1775–1783) after a drawing by Swiss artist Sigmund Freudenberger (1745–1801). The scene shows a joyful, intimate moment between a husband and wife in a cozy interior 6.5” x 6.75”
Both expertly framed in gorgeous antique black & gilt frames with layered mats—ready to hang and instantly elevate any French-country, farmhouse, or elegant gallery wall.
Sold as a pair. Price is for both. Email with any questions. Ships free and insured.
More details on the prints:
Left: "Le Bonheur du Ménage" (The Happiness of the Household) Engraved by Nicolas de Launay around 1778 after Jean-Baptiste Le Prince. It depicts a tender family scene: a mother nursing her infant at a table, with her husband and an elderly woman (likely a grandmother) nearby—embodying ideal pre-Revolutionary domestic bliss and maternal virtue.
Right: "La Gaieté Conjugale" (Conjugal Gaiety) Engraved by Nicolas de Launay around 1783 (some sources cite c. 1775–1783) after a drawing by Swiss artist Sigmund Freudenberger (1745–1801). The scene shows a joyful, intimate moment between a husband and wife in a cozy interior, often with playful or affectionate interaction (sometimes including children or pets in similar compositions), celebrating harmonious married life. It's part of Launay's popular series of "galante" or sentimental genre prints that romanticized everyday French family happiness. These were hugely sought after in the late 18th century for their charm and moral undertones.
Both are classic examples of Launay's work as one of the leading Parisian engravers of the Rococo/early Neoclassical era, specializing in reproductive prints after fashionable painters like Le Prince and Freudenberger. They use etching and engraving techniques on laid or wove paper, with oval compositions framed by decorative garlands—typical of the period's elegant presentation.
Own a piece of pre-Revolutionary France! This extraordinary matching pair of original hand-engraved prints by master engraver Nicolas de Launay (1739–1792) captures the sentimental charm of 18th-century domestic life. Engravings were created using an art and technique of their own and were made after paintings to allow small scale reproduction.
Le Bonheur du Ménage (left) – 1778, After Jean-Baptiste Leprince: a loving mother nurses her baby while her husband and grandmother look on—pure household happiness! 6.5” x 6.75”
La Galette (right) – 1783, Engraved by Nicolas de Launay around 1783 (some sources cite c. 1775–1783) after a drawing by Swiss artist Sigmund Freudenberger (1745–1801). The scene shows a joyful, intimate moment between a husband and wife in a cozy interior 6.5” x 6.75”
Both expertly framed in gorgeous antique black & gilt frames with layered mats—ready to hang and instantly elevate any French-country, farmhouse, or elegant gallery wall.
Sold as a pair. Price is for both. Email with any questions. Ships free and insured.
More details on the prints:
Left: "Le Bonheur du Ménage" (The Happiness of the Household) Engraved by Nicolas de Launay around 1778 after Jean-Baptiste Le Prince. It depicts a tender family scene: a mother nursing her infant at a table, with her husband and an elderly woman (likely a grandmother) nearby—embodying ideal pre-Revolutionary domestic bliss and maternal virtue.
Right: "La Gaieté Conjugale" (Conjugal Gaiety) Engraved by Nicolas de Launay around 1783 (some sources cite c. 1775–1783) after a drawing by Swiss artist Sigmund Freudenberger (1745–1801). The scene shows a joyful, intimate moment between a husband and wife in a cozy interior, often with playful or affectionate interaction (sometimes including children or pets in similar compositions), celebrating harmonious married life. It's part of Launay's popular series of "galante" or sentimental genre prints that romanticized everyday French family happiness. These were hugely sought after in the late 18th century for their charm and moral undertones.
Both are classic examples of Launay's work as one of the leading Parisian engravers of the Rococo/early Neoclassical era, specializing in reproductive prints after fashionable painters like Le Prince and Freudenberger. They use etching and engraving techniques on laid or wove paper, with oval compositions framed by decorative garlands—typical of the period's elegant presentation.
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