Le Bois de Boulogne, from "L'Artiste"

Art Historical Context

### Le Bois de Boulogne from *L'Artiste* Nestled in the heart of Paris, the Bois de Boulogne a beloved urban oasis during the mid-19th century, into a grand public park under Napoleon III. Félix Bracquemond 1857 etching captures its serene allure, depicting elegant men and women strolling amid lush trees, graceful swans gliding on waters, and birds in flight. Published in the influential art periodical *L'Artiste*, print reflects the era's fascination with leisurely outdoor scenes, blending Romantic naturalism with emerging modern sensibilities. Bracquemond, a pioneering French printmaker, was a leader in the Etching Revival, championing the medium's expressive potential over mechanical reproduction. As the fifth and final state of five, this etching showcases Bracquemond's meticulous refinement process—each state involving subtle reworking of the copper plate to enhance depth, texture, and atmosphere. Etching's aquatint-like tones evoke the dappled light filtering through leaves, inviting viewers to feel the park's tranquil rhythm. Printed by Imprimerie Sarazin, it exemplifies the technical virtuosity of 19th-century French printmaking, bridging fine art and accessible illustration. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, 1963), *Le Bois de Boulogne* offers a window into Second Empire leisure culture, reminding us how art immortalizes everyday elegance. (198 words)

About the Artist

Imprimerie Sarazin|Félix Bracquemond (French|French) · |1833 – |1914

Paris, active 19th century|French, Paris 1833–1914 Sèvres