The Dismissed Servant 1744 - 1754

Jean-Joseph Baléchou created "The Dismissed Servant," a monochromatic print. It’s composed in a way that immediately draws the eye to the two figures and how the contrast in their gestures communicates the main theme of the image. On the left, a seated woman holds a small object, perhaps a tool for needlework. Her gaze is sharp, her posture upright, which contrasts with the figure on the right. This second woman stands, dabbing her eyes with a cloth, her body language conveying distress and defeat. The composition divides the space, creating a visual representation of power dynamics and social hierarchy, common themes in the art of this period. Baléchou uses light and shadow to highlight the emotional weight of the scene. The texture of the print itself, achieved through the engraving process, adds a layer of complexity. It invites us to consider how these artistic choices reflect not only a social commentary but also the formal language of 18th-century art.