Description
Depollier engraving, published in 1883, illustrates Jean de La Fontaine’s tale La Jument du compère Pierre. It belongs to the nineteenth-century revival of earlier illustrations for La Fontaine’s Contes, or tales.
The composition depicts a lively rustic interior beneath exposed roof timbers. A partially undressed young woman stands between two male figures, while an equine animal seen from behind and a bovine head establish the stable setting. A jug, barrel and everyday objects add detail to the scene.
The subject reflects the playful and bawdy humour of La Fontaine’s tales. It offers a different aspect of the author’s work from the familiar animal fables.
Depollier’s burin work is particularly effective in the folds of the clothing, the rough wooden surfaces and the animals’ coats. Closely controlled hatching produces varied tones, giving depth to the interior and clarity to the figures.
Published in 1883, the print reflects nineteenth-century collectors’ interest in earlier French book illustration. Depollier Aîné contributed engraved plates after compositions associated with the eighteenth-century tradition.
The sheet retains broad margins and a clearly visible plate impression. The engraver’s name appears along the lower part of the image.
Details:
Engraver: Depollier Aîné.
Subject: La Jument du compère Pierre.
Literary source: Jean de La Fontaine’s Contes.
Publication: 1883.
Technique: burin engraving, intaglio.
Sheet dimensions: 26 × 21.8 cm.
Engraved image dimensions: 17.5 × 13.4 cm.
Stock reference: 2760-408R608.
- An appealing piece for collectors of antique French engravings, literary illustration and La Fontaine editions.
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