Le Coup de Vent

Art Historical Context

**Le Coup de Vent (The Gust of Wind)**Created between 1775 and 1832, this hand-colored etching and aquat brings together the talents of Louis Philibert Debourt, Carle (Antoine Charles) Vernet, and Bance. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's and Prints department, the print measures about 14 x 10 inches and exemplifies the innovative printmaking techniques of late 18th- and early 19th France. Aquatint with its tonal effects mimicking watercolor allowed for rich, painterly color when hand-applied, making such works accessible luxury items for collectors. The lively scene captures a sudden gust of wind upending umbrellas held by women and men, blending humor and drama in a snapshot of everyday chaos. Debucourt, a master of color prints, likely led the etching and coloring, while Vernet—renowned for his dynamic horse and genre scenes—contributed the spirited composition. This reflects the Rococo-to-Romantic transition, where artists delighted in human vulnerability to nature's whims. As part of The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, *Le Coup de Vent* highlights printmaking's role in democratizing art during revolutionary France, turning fleeting moments into enduring, colorful vignettes that still amuse and enchant visitors today.