In the Zoological Garden

Art Historical Context

Félix Bracquemond's *In the Zoological Garden* (ca. 1873) invites visitors into a serene corner of 19th-century leisure. This enchanting color print captures women strolling amid lush gardens and exotic birds in a zoological setting, evoking the era's fascination with nature and urban escapes. Bracquemond, a leading French printmaker and etcher, was a key figure in the etching revival, blending meticulous observation with innovative techniques inspired by Japanese prints. The artwork's medium—etching, drypoint, and aquatint printed in color—showcases Bracquemond's technical mastery. Etching provides crisp lines, drypoint adds velvety burrs for texture, and aquatint creates rich tonal gradients, while the rare color printing brings vibrant life to feathers and foliage. Presented in its seventh and final state, this impression represents the print's most refined form, highlighting the artist's pursuit of subtlety and depth. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1922, this piece from The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department reflects the cultural allure of zoos as social hubs in Belle Époque France, where art and nature intertwined to celebrate everyday wonder. A delightful glimpse into a bygone elegance!

About the Artist

Félix Bracquemond · 1833–1914

French, Paris 1833–1914 Sèvres