Paris Notre Dame c1873 France Lovers among the Chimeras by Leon Gaucherel

Description

Paris Notre Dame etching by Léon Gaucherel (1816–1886) after Édouard de Beaumont dating from around 1873. Its French title reads “Où diable l’amour va-t-il se nicher !” — a playful reference to the unexpected places where love finds shelter.

High above Paris, a pair of lovers nestles among the cathedral’s sculpted chimeras. Their intimate encounter contrasts with the fantastic stone creatures surrounding them. On the left, the famous brooding Stryge looks out over the city, while another winged creature frames the couple on the opposite side.

The composition combines Gothic architecture, romantic intimacy and gentle humour. Closely worked lines describe the carved balustrade, decorative foliage and projecting stonework. Below, the buildings of Paris recede into the distance, creating a striking sense of height. Birds flying above the rooftops reinforce the elevated viewpoint.

The interplay between the lovers and the chimeras gives this print a distinctive character. It offers both an architectural view of Notre-Dame and an imaginative scene in which the cathedral becomes a secluded meeting place.

Executed in etching and drypoint, the print displays fine detail within a compact vertical format. An appealing piece for collectors of historic Paris views, French nineteenth-century prints and Gothic architectural imagery.

The title and Léon Gaucherel’s name appear in the lower margin as printed plate inscriptions.

Details:
• Printmaker: Léon Gaucherel (1816–1886).
• Composition after Édouard de Beaumont.
• Date: circa 1873.
• Technique: etching and drypoint on paper.
• Sheet: 21.5 × 16 cm.
• Image: 16.4 × 10.9 cm.