Jean-Jacques de Boissieu – The Small Bridge with Three Piers, c1830 Chine Colle

Description

This Boissieu bridge etching, known as Le Petit Pont à trois piles (The Small Bridge with Three Piers), is a later impression dating to approximately 1830, from a plate dated 1773.

The landscape centres on a small bridge crossing a stream, with figures gathered on its deck. Buildings and ruined walls occupy the left bank, while distant hills and a classical columned structure extend the view to the right.

Fine linear work describes the clouds, masonry and foliage. Reflections beneath the bridge and darker vegetation in the foreground add depth to this compact composition.

The artist’s monogram and the date 1773 appear at the lower centre. This date refers to the plate; the present sheet is offered as a posthumous restrike, circa 1830, rather than a lifetime impression.

Printed on China paper laid onto wove paper, the sheet displays the characteristic tonal distinction between the thin image-bearing paper and its supporting margins. The plate mark remains visible.

Details

• Artist: Jean-Jacques de Boissieu.

• Title: Le Petit Pont à trois piles.

• Technique: etching and drypoint.

• Plate date: 1773.

• Impression: circa 1830, posthumous restrike.

• Paper: chine collé on wove paper.

• Sheet dimensions: 19.4 × 15.3 cm.

• Printed image: 15.3 × 11.2 cm.

Condition

Scattered foxing and small spots, uneven paper toning and some handling marks in the margins and on the reverse. Please examine the detailed photographs for the condition of this particular impression.

An attractive small landscape for collectors of Boissieu prints and historical chine-collé impressions.