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Published by [Paris: French Publisher, circa 1785]., 1785
Seller: Wittenborn Art Books, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.
Art / Print / Poster
Condition: Good. Lithograph on wove paper. 23 x 18.5 cm. (sheet). Very Good, short, vertical tear at top of sheet, minor soling in the margins.
Published by Paris, 1820
Seller: Donald A. Heald Rare Books (ABAA), New York, NY, U.S.A.
Art / Print / Poster
Engraving on wove paper. In excellent condition with the exception of a crease in the upper left margin outside the platemark and some small white spots in the image. A wonderful depiction of pre-revolutionary Parisian aristocracy by de Launay after a gouache by Nicolas Lavreince. A perfectly dressed, handsome young man suavely hands off a love letter to his perfectly dressed young sweetheart while he distracts the older woman: mother or aunt who chaperones. It is a wonderful moment that speaks volumes about aristocratic life prior to the revolution. What seems at first a charming and witty deceit also implies a world in which the pursuit of pleasure has become a way of life. In any event, the amorous back-hand takes place in a setting of utmost refinement: the room is a magnificent example of a Louis XVI interior with its massive mirror, elaborate moldings, carvings and furnishings, a harp, inlaid piano and cello. The characters are dressed to a degree, for a musical afternoon, that defies belief by modern standards: the lover who reaches awkwardly to get her precious missive is especially grand, with flowers and feathers in her hair, a dress festooned with garlands of artificial flowers, and rose-topped pointed silk shoes. Everyone exudes elegance and refinement in clothing, manner and gesture. All in all, a superb revelation of a long ago world, perfectly engraved by de Launay from Lavreince's incisive painting. Nevill, French Prints of the Eighteenth Century.
Publication Date: 1784
Seller: Donald A. Heald Rare Books (ABAA), New York, NY, U.S.A.
Art / Print / Poster
Engraving. Proof before title and publication details, state ii/iii. In excellent condition with the exception of two mended tears in the upper and lower margins. Image size: 13 7/8 x 16 7/8. A charming scene of an idyllic musical afternoon, by the famous miniature artist Nicolas Lavreince. This is a stunning proof impression of this beautiful print by Varin after Nicolas Lavreince. The scene depicts an elegantly dressed group enjoying a musical afternoon. The seated guitar player and standing woman with a mandolin (?) share an intense gaze. Lavreince (1737-1807) was a Swedish miniature painter who trained and worked in Paris until the onset of the Revolution when he returned to Stockholm. Lavreince's pleasant scene of carefree aristocrats enjoying a day in the country is perfectly translated into print by Varin. In its decorative subject and delicate execution "Le Concert agreeable" embodies the character of Rococo art. Le Blanc, Manuel de L'Amateur D'Estampes Vol. III, p. 94, No. 20 ii/ii; Portalis Et Beraldi, Les Graveurs Du Dix-Huitieme Siecle Vol. III, P. 610; Nevill, French Prints of the Eighteenth Century p. 167, No. 1 ii/iii.