The Feast in the House of Simon

Art Historical Context

Welcome to *The Feast in the House of Simon a captivating 1738 etching by artist Pierre-Hubert Subleyras. This print depicts a pivotal biblical scene from the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus dines at the house of Simon the Pharise and a woman anoints his feet perfume—a moment rich in themes of forgiveness, humility, and devotion. Subleyras, who trained in Paris before settling in Rome, infused his work with the elegant, graceful Rococo style, blending French refinement with Italian Baroque influences for a lively yet spiritually resonant composition. Crafted as an etching on laid paper, this technically masterful print measures 33 × 60.2 cm, cut precisely to the platemark for intimate display. Etching allowed artists like Subleyras to reproduce detailed drawings with fluid lines and tonal depth, achieved by coating a copper plate with acid-resistant ground, incising designs with a needle, and immersing in acid to etch the grooves. This innovative technique democratized access to grand subjects, bridging elite painting traditions with broader audiences during the 18th century. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Prints department through the Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, this work exemplifies Subleyras's skill in translating complex narratives into print form, offering visitors a window into 18th-century religious art and the artistry of reproductive printmaking.

About the Artist

Pierre-Hubert Subleyras (French) · 1699 –1749

French, Saint-Gilles-du-Gard 1699–1749 Rome