Hoofdletter I
1907
Medium
wood engraving
Dimensions
132; 140
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Eerste blad van het eerste hoofdstuk uit het boek "Riquet à la Houppe" (Riquet met de kuif). De hoofdletter I geïntegreerd in een voorstelling. Een jong meisje, op de rug gezien, kijkt naar mannen die aan het werk zijn. Onder de afbeelding tekst en bloemenranken. Op verso tekst.
Art Historical Context
**Hoofdletter I** (1907) is a delicate wood engraving by Lucien Parro, the son of Impressionist master Camille Pissarro. Measuring just 132 × 140 mm, this piece serves as the opening leaf of the first chapter in *Riquet à la Houppe* (Riquet with the Tuft a fairy tale by Charles Perra published by the Eragny, which Lucien co-founded with his wife Esther England. The work exemplifies the revival of fine book arts at the turn of the 20th century, blending narrative illustration with typography in the tradition of livres d'artiste. At its heart, the capital letter "I" seamlessly integrates into a whimsical scene: a young girl, viewed from behind, gazes curiously at men laboring below. Floral vines and text frame the composition, with more text on the verso, evoking the illuminated manuscripts of medieval times while showcasing Pissarro's Neo-Impressionist roots through precise, luminous lines. Wood engraving, a meticulous technique involving incising end-grain wood blocks for sharp reproductions, allowed for the subtle textures and intricate details that made Eragny Press editions collector's treasures. This artwork highlights Lucien's mastery in bridging painting and printmaking, infusing Perrault's magical tale with everyday wonder. A gem for fairy tale enthusiasts and print lovers, it captures the era's Arts and Crafts spirit, where beauty elevated the printed page.
About the Artist
Lucien Pissarro · 1863–1944
Lucien Pissarro (1863–1944) stands as a unique bridge between French Impressionism and British modernism, successfully navigating multiple artistic movements and mediums throughout his seven-decade career. Born in Paris as the eldest son of the celebrated Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro, Lucien inherited not only his father's artistic talent but also his commitment to innovation and experim...