Elle consacre l’amour 1900 |
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Original etching.
Signed in pencil.
Ref: Delteil 155 ii/ii
S 451 x 320 mm; P & I 140 x 110 mm
£420
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Original Albert Besnard etching.
Excellent impression with crisp etched line. From the only edition of 19 signed proof impressions in the second state of the plate (there were nine impressions printed in the first state).
Elle consacre l’amour (she consecrates the love) was designed as one of a series of 26 individual etchings which Albert Besnard conceived as a suite entitled Elle. Executed upon the request of the collector Baron Vitta, this series of etchings concerned the eternal theme of death. The plates depict the lurking omnipresence of Death in daily life; however, they are distinguished from the typical Dance Macabre of old, in which Death is normally portrayed as both unforeseen and cruel. In works such as Elle consacre l’amour, Besnard has portrayed Death with a cynical compassion unique to this series of prints.
The entire production of the Elle suite was overseen by Baron Vitta who ensured that the number of impressions was scrupulously limited to only the finest examples pulled. The second states of all of the plates were printed in 1921 at the request of the artist who added his monogram to each plate for the printing of this edition. Three impressions of each plate were taken on antique paper and 16 impressions on Hollande, as here. All were signed in pencil by the artist. The plates were then destroyed - a proof from each cancelled plate being deposited with the Bibliotheque Nationale.
On firm Hollande paper with full margins and deckle edge. Excellent original condition. |
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