Rare 19th century engraving after Pierre Paul Prud'hon Zephyr male nude 1820

Description: This listing is for an astonishing, rare hand-colored engraving by Jean Nicolas Laugier (1785–1865) after Pierre Paul Prud'hon's (1758–1823) unfinished painting of a young Zéphyr hanging over a stream, exhibited at the Salon of 1814 and now held by the Musée du Louvre. This large print—nearly 22" overall—was created with a combination of stipple engraving, line engraving, and etching. Laugier's delicate work results in phenomenal details that reward close study. Note, for instance, his treatment of the faint reflections in the water and the subtle contours of the figure's sprightly musculature. True to Prud'hon's composition, the spirit hangs weightless in the air and we wonder: is he peering down at himself in the stream? Poised to dip his toes into the water, he seems destined to smash his reflection like a Narcissus breaking a spell. Where will he flit to next? Classical thought says East, moving as a gentle warm breeze to bring both spring and renewal. The figure's shimmering wings and the gossamer swirls of fabric are absent from Prud'hon's Salon painting. An oil sketch by the artist in the Wallace Collection includes similar wings, however, along with several landscape details that he omitted in the primary study. The Wallace Collection offers a catalog note that gives further context to the work: Zephyr, the west wind of springtime, was often described in Greek mythology as a gentle youth with butterfly wings. The sight of the young son of one of his sitters playing on ropes hanging from his studio ceiling is said to have inspired Prud’hon’s treatment of the theme. The artist combined references to very different painters: to Correggio's style whom he particularly admired and to Caravaggio's Victorious Amor. Both models were known for their highly erotic scenes, an effect Prud'hon also reached with the elegant but charged figure of the young Zephyr. The erotic presence of the boy’s figure was considered inappropriate by some critics, [though] the composition was generally admired and was engraved on numerous occasions in the nineteenth century. Laugier's engraving is the most sophisticated record of Prud'hon's picture, and copies are owned by the Met, British Museum, and Rijksmuseum, among others. This is the only hand-tinted example I have encountered. With an embossed medallion below the plate for the Société des Amis des Arts, and inscriptions that read: Peint par Prud'hon. Tiré du Cabinet de M. le Comte de Sommariva. Gravé par Laugier, 1820. Imprimé par Durand. This study will be featured in my forthcoming catalog focused on themes of youth. If you would like a PDF copy when the catalog is complete, please reach out. Sheet measures approximately 16"w x 22"h, and the image is approximately 12-1/2"w x 16-1/2"h. It is in overall good condition with scattered dirt and surface imperfections. Note old repairs toward upper left corner and middle right. With possible traces of an inscription (now removed) along the bottom edge. The sheet is tanned from prior matting. See images to verify condition and feel free to ask questions. Terms of SalePlease allow (4) business days after the auction ends for processing and shipment. Condition, Shipping, and ReturnsFlaws, manufacturing defects, or damages—if applicable—are noted in the description above to the best of my ability. Returns are not accepted. Measurements are approximate. This print will be shipped flat. Please only bid if you agree to these terms and conditions.

Price: 1500 USD

Location: Woodside, New York

End Time: 2024-11-06T02:37:25.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD