Jean-Michel Moreau Le Moment Dangereux

Jean-Michel Moreau’s Le Moment Dangereux

Engraved by: No’l Le Mire

Published by: Basan et Poignant, Paris

Production Date: c.1770-1780

Medium: Engraving on laid paper

Dimensions: Approximately 40 x 30 cm (sheet size may vary)

Description:

Le Moment Dangereux (The Dangerous Moment) is one of Jean-Michel Moreau’s most celebrated rococo-era illustrations, depicting an intimate and emotionally charged scene between a seated young man and a standing woman. The composition is characterized by its theatrical staging, expressive gestures, and delicate rendering of fabric and interior details, all hallmarks of Moreau style. Engraved by No Le Mire, this print is a prime example of 18th-century French decorative art, reflecting the eras fascination with love, seduction, and social interplay.

This image was created in the context of the gravures de mode, a popular genre in which artists illustrated contemporary manners, romantic encounters, and narratives inspired by literature and theatre. The prints title, Le Moment Dangereux, suggests an impending revelation or decision, capturing a fleeting moment of tension between the figures.

Provenance & Collectibility:

Moreau engravings were widely collected in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in France, where they were used to illustrate luxury books and artistic portfolios. Examples of this print can be found in major museum collections, including the Louvre and the British Museum, reinforcing its significance in the history of French printmaking.

As an artwork associated with l’art de vivre in pre-revolutionary France, this engraving remains a desirable acquisition for collectors of Rococo prints, book illustration art, and 18th-century French works on paper.

Contact for Inquiry:

 jink@jinkink.com | Polikse@gmail.com

For additional details or to inquire about available editions, please reach out.