Nicolas de Launay (1739–1792)

“La Bonne Mère” (The Good Mother), 1779

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching with engraving on wove paper, hand-coloured with watercolour—possibly from the time of printing.

This work belongs to a series depicting domestic scenes that celebrate maternal virtues, family happiness, and the importance of motherhood—an especially popular theme in late 18th-century French art. The engraving is based on a painting by Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732–1806) and features an inscription dedicated to François-Marie Ménage de Pressigny (c. 1733–1794), a wealthy French financier and tax farmer-general who owned the original painting. The inscription also identifies Fragonard as “Peintre du Roi” (Painter to the King) and Nicolas de Launay as “Graveur du Roi” (Engraver to the King).

Interestingly, Fragonard’s original painting was not titled “La Bonne Mère.” This name was created specifically for the print, and due to its popularity, it eventually became associated with the original artwork as well. At the time, this print enjoyed significant commercial success and remains one of the most well-known prints linked to Fragonard.

The impression is strong and well-printed, with wide margins as issued. The delicate hand-colouring remains unfaded despite the age of the print. Aside from a few minor bumps and subtle age-toning, the sheet is in excellent condition.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 66.6 x 51.2 cm
• Platemark (soft): 58.8 x 44.1 cm
• Image borderline: 57.1 x 42.8 cm

In-Plate Lettering:

• Lower border: “Fragonard Pinxit 1779. De Launay Sculpsit.”
• Lower left: “Peint par Fragonard”
• Lower centre (title): “LA BONNE M[È]RE.”, flanked by a central coat of arms
• Lower centre (dedication): “Gravée d’après le […] Tableau de Fragonard / Par […] De Launay.”
• Lower centre (address): “à Paris chez De Launay […] Graveur du Roy, rue et porte S^t. Jacques N^o. 112. cm
• Lower right: “par N. De Launay”

References:

• IFF 196.II; Portalis 34
• Metropolitan Museum of Art: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/369389   
• British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1871-0812-5596

Price & Shipping:

AU$343 (approximately US$234.97 / €204.40 / £177.55), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties (if any) are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this large and renowned Rococo print—a quintessential vision of family happiness capturing a mother washing her daughter’s face in a park—please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I’ll be happy to provide a PayPal invoice for a smooth and secure purchase.