The Three Sisters: Finette, Babillarde and Nonchalante (Primary Title)
Jean-Antoine Laurent, French, 1763-1832 (Artist)
This is an example of the Troubadour painting movement, which treated subjects from France's national past from the Middle Ages to the 17th century in an anecdotal manner. The scene is based on a 17th-century tale by the wit Maria-Jean L'Héritier de Villandon. Set during the Crusades, it tells of the three sisters with different temperaments whose father locked them in a tower in an effort to preserve their virtue while he was away in battle. Each sister was given a glass of distaff (spindle) that would break at her dishonor. Sisters Nonchalance ("Lazybones," at right) and Babillarde ("Gabby" at left) have already suffered this fate, having been seduced by devious Prince Riche-Cautele. Only Finette ("Delicate"), absorbed in her studies at the window, has succesfully fended off the prince's advances.
Signed and dated at lower left: "Laurent, 1824"
Gift of Joseph T. and Jane Joel Knox
Paris Salon of 1824, no. 1036; Talabardon & Gautier, Le XIXeSiecle, 24 November -23 December 2004, Paris, #8
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
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