Six Eaux-fortes par Bracquemond

Art Historical Context

**Six Eaux-fortes paracquemond** (1887) is a captivating lithograph by Félix Bracquemond, a leading French printmaker of the 19th century renowned for reviving the art of etching. Created during the height of the Etching Revival—a movement that celebrated intricate, painterly prints amid the rise of Impressionism—Bracquemond's work showcases his mastery of fine lines and tonal subtlety. This sheet, measuring 21 15/16 × 14 11/16 inches, likely serves as an announcement or portfolio cover for a series of six etchings, highlighting his fascination with avian subjects as suggested by the "Birds" tag. Bracquemond, often called the "Rembrandt of etching," drew inspiration from Japanese prints, infusing European art with exotic motifs and precise observation of nature. His birds, rendered with delicate feathers and dynamic poses, reflect the era's blend of scientific naturalism and artistic freedom. Lithography, the medium here, allowed for broader dissemination of such designs, bridging fine art and reproductive prints during a time when museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art were building stellar collections. Generously gifted by Fitz Roy Carrington in 1922, this piece from the Drawings and Prints department invites visitors to appreciate Bracquemond's technical virtuosity and his role in elevating printmaking. A window into late 19th-century Paris, it reminds us how humble sheets captured the wild grace of birds for generations.

About the Artist

Félix Bracquemond · 1833–1914

French, Paris 1833–1914 Sèvres