Oui, je la connais Traitre, et je connais ton Coeur

Art Historical Context

This striking red chalk and graphite drawing by Hubert François Gravelot captures a moment of intense emotion through its evocative French title, "Oui, je la connais Traitre, et je connais ton Coeur" ("Yes, I know her, Traitor, and I know your Heart"). Created between 1651 and 1700, the work belongs to the Rosenwald Collection at the National Gallery of Art. Measuring approximately 29.5 by 19.3 centimeters on laid paper, it exemplifies the intimate scale often favored for preparatory or independent drawings of the period. Gravelot employs the delicate interplay of red chalk and graphite to convey both subtle tonal modeling and expressive line work, techniques that allow for nuanced rendering of figures and dramatic tension. Such mixed-media drawings were prized in 17th-century Europe for their ability to suggest both spontaneity and refinement, bridging the gap between quick sketches and finished compositions. As part of the National Gallery’s holdings in the CG-E department, this piece highlights the enduring appeal of narrative subjects drawn from literature or theater. Its modest size invites close viewing, encouraging visitors to appreciate the artist’s skill in distilling complex human interactions into a single, compelling scene.

About the Artist

Hubert François Gravelot · 1699–1773

Hubert-François Bourguignon, known as Gravelot (1699–1773), was a leading French Rococo engraver, illustrator, and designer whose elegant draftsmanship bridged the artistic worlds of France and England. Born in Paris to a tailor, he adopted his pseudonym from a godfather and grew up alongside his elder brother, the geographer Jean-Baptiste Bourguignon d'Anville. After neglecting studies at the Col...