La Famine par l'ordre de Ceres ...

Art Historical Context

In the Widener Collection of the National of Art, *La Famine par l'ordre de Ceres (Famine by the Order oferes), a captivating 1767 drawing by artist Jean-Michel Moreau, the dramatic tensions of classical mythology. Created during the Enlightenment era under Louis XV, when interest in ancient stories flourished, the work likely depicts Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture commanding famine as punishment—perhaps alluding to tales like Demeter's wrath in Greek lore. Moreau, a master illustrator renowned for his contributions to lavish books and theater designs, captures this moment with Rococo elegance transitioning toward Neoclassicism's poised clarity. Executed in pen and black ink with brush and gray wash, the piece showcases 18th-century draughtsmanship at its finest. The precise ink lines define forms with fluid grace, while subtle gray washes build depth and atmosphere, mimicking the tonal subtlety of oil paintings. This mixed-media technique was prized for its versatility in preparatory sketches and reproductive prints, allowing Moreau's intricate compositions to inspire engravers across Europe. As a testament to pre-Revolutionary French artistry, this drawing highlights Moreau's skill in blending whimsy and gravity, offering visitors a window into how myth served both moral instruction and aesthetic delight in the salons of 1760s Paris.