A detailed etching by Bernard Picart, based on a drawing by Charles Le Brun, depicting the biblical wedding feast of Tobias.

This etching by Bernard Picart depicts the biblical narrative of the marriage of Tobias, a subject drawn from the Book of Tobit. Picart, a French engraver who spent much of his career in Amsterdam, was known for his technical precision and his ability to translate the compositions of other masters into print. This specific work is based on a drawing by the French painter Charles Le Brun, as noted in the inscription at the base of the print, which mentions the collection of M. de Piles.

The composition follows the conventions of the period, placing the figures within a structured, outdoor setting. To the left, the angel Raphael guides Tobias, who is shown in an embrace, while the right side of the scene features a group gathered around a table for the wedding feast. The use of cross-hatching and varied line weights creates a sense of volume in the drapery and depth in the background landscape. The figures are rendered with the classical proportions typical of Le Brun’s style, reflecting the influence of the French Academy.

Picart’s work is often associated with the dissemination of religious and mythological imagery during the early eighteenth century. His prints were highly regarded for their clarity and adherence to the original designs he reproduced. This piece demonstrates his skill in managing complex multi-figure compositions, balancing the foreground action with the more static elements of the banquet. The print serves as a record of a lost or inaccessible drawing by Le Brun, preserving the visual interpretation of the narrative for a wider audience. The inclusion of the camel on the far left adds an exotic touch, consistent with the period’s interest in biblical settings. The work remains a fine example of the collaborative nature of printmaking in the eighteenth century, where the engraver acted as a bridge between the original artist and the public.