Paris Viking Boats at the Siege, 1872 Print after Alphonse de Neuville

Description

Paris Viking siege engraving entitled “Les barques normandes”, engraved by J. Ettlin after Alphonse de Neuville and dated 1872.

This dramatic historical illustration depicts Norse warriors approaching the fortifications of Paris by boat. Rowers and armed figures crowd the foreground, while a standing warrior surveys the city’s defences. A large carved prow, sails, shields and rigging fill the scene with detail.

The contrast between the pale sails and the darker figures and fortifications gives the composition depth and movement. The closely worked lines describe the water, timber, clothing and weapons, demonstrating the expressive possibilities of nineteenth-century wood engraving.

The composition belongs to the illustrations for François Guizot’s Histoire de France racontée à mes petits-enfants. It evokes the Viking siege of Paris in 885–887 through a nineteenth-century interpretation of medieval history.

The printed signatures of J. Ettlin and Alphonse de Neuville appear within the image. The French title, “Les barques normandes”, is printed beneath the composition.

Date: 1872.
Medium: wood engraving printed in black on paper.
Engraver: J. Ettlin.
After: Alphonse de Neuville.
Sheet dimensions: 23.7 × 16,9 cm.
Image dimensions: 18.7 × 12.8 cm.

Condition: scattered light marks and soiling are visible in the margins, particularly in the lower portion. Please examine the photograph for the condition of the paper and impression.

An appealing historical print for collectors of Paris views, Viking subjects, medieval history and nineteenth-century book illustration.