Plate 17: Don Quixote is served by the ladies of the Duchess (Don Quichotte est servi par les Demoiselles de la Duchesse) 1745

Editor: Here we have Bernard Picart’s "Plate 17: Don Quixote is served by the ladies of the Duchess," an engraving from 1745. I’m immediately drawn to the lines; they’re so fine and create this almost theatrical space. What compositional elements stand out to you? Curator: The interplay of light and shadow, achieved through varied densities of line, is certainly noteworthy. Observe how the artist manipulates tonal values to define forms and create a sense of depth. The foreground, with its discarded armor, functions as a symbolic element but also strategically leads the eye into the more active scene beyond. Notice too the arrangement of figures: a series of interlocking shapes, each contributing to the overall rhythm of the composition. How does that rhythm influence your reading of the work? Editor: I think it emphasizes the staged quality you mentioned. Like a scene from a play! I see the linear perspective, how the architecture directs my gaze, and yet I'm most intrigued by how flat everything still feels overall. What function do you think the lack of strong chiaroscuro serves? Curator: Its flatness can be viewed as a deliberate choice to prioritize linearity and pattern over naturalistic representation. The uniformity of light prevents any single element from dominating. This allows the viewer to engage with the image as a constructed artifact, a world presented for intellectual contemplation rather than emotional immersion. Does that resonate with your understanding of the work? Editor: Yes, I think that’s really insightful! I was caught up in thinking about it depicting a scene but thinking about it more as an arrangement shifts everything. Curator: Precisely. It highlights the artistic choices at play, shifting our attention from narrative content to the intrinsic formal qualities of the work itself. Editor: I see what you mean now! Looking closely at the line work has completely changed how I see this piece. Thank you!