The Meeting c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Benoît Audran the Younger's "The Meeting," an engraving on paper. It feels very whimsical, almost like a stage set. What do you see in the composition that stands out to you? Curator: Observe how Audran employs hatching and cross-hatching to create a rich tonal range despite the monochromatic palette. The density of these marks shapes our perception of form and volume. Do you notice how the light catches on the woman's dress compared to the man's cloak? Editor: Yes, the contrast is very striking! It almost feels like they are in two different worlds, with the dense background pushing them forward. Curator: Precisely. Consider how this formal arrangement might reinforce the narrative suggested by the title. The graphic language constructs a world of subtle contrast. Editor: That's fascinating. I'll definitely look at engravings differently now. Curator: Indeed, a closer look at the graphic elements reveals much about the meaning.