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227 - Fin de Siècle Legrand, Louis 8 signed drypoint etchings. In:…
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Estimate €1,600 - €2,200
Sale commission
Description
Fin de Siècle Legrand, Louis 8 signed drypoint etchings. In: *Les bars*. Gustave Pellet, Paris, 1909. Folio. Loose sheets. in original cover (which also features an etching as the title illustration) in a half-leather folder. - Magnificent prints, with extremely sharp edges and velvety blacks. Legrand. Catalogue Raisonné, 189. - Monod 7058. - Extremely rare. No copy currently known to us to be on the market worldwide. - One of 65 copies. - Magnificent portfolio featuring the famous series ‘Les Bars’, which brings together the bars, cafés and drinking establishments of Parisian nightlife. It is one of Legrand’s most important cycles, in which he captures the milieus of the Belle Époque – alcohol, prostitution, sports bars and ‘English bars’ – with a perspective that oscillates between empathy and biting irony. The portfolio was published in Paris by Legrand’s regular publisher, Gustave Pellet. All the plates are executed in drypoint or etching and bear the red Pellet publisher’s stamp (Lugt 1193) as well as, in some cases, the ‘Pellet et Legrand’ watermark. Legrand uses drypoint to create a velvety, deep shade of black, produced by the burr along the edge of the plate, which lends the scenes a smoky, dark, almost misty atmosphere. The lines are often nervous and sketch-like, bringing movement and restlessness to life within the cramped bar interiors: bodies, furniture and wisps of smoke seem to shimmer slightly, emphasising the fleeting nature of the moment. Legrand follows in the tradition of the French fin-de-siècle graphic artists (Félicien Rops, Toulouse-Lautrec), but extends this to a broader social spectrum. – The binding ribbons have some missing sections, but are generally in good condition. Art Nouveau. - 8 signed drypoint etchings. In: *Les bars*. Gustave Pellet, Paris, 1909. Folio. Loose plates in the original publisher’s paper cover (with an additional etching as the title illustration), all in the original publisher’s half-cloth slipcase with gilt title on the front board. - Splendid etchings, with a strong burr and velvety black. - Very rare. No copies currently available in shops worldwide. - One of 65 copies. - A magnificent portfolio featuring the famous series *Les Bars*, which brings together the bars, cafés and drinking establishments of Parisian nightlife. It is one of Legrand’s most significant series, in which he captures the milieu of the Belle Époque – alcohol, prostitution, sports and ‘English bars’ – with a gaze that oscillates between empathy and biting irony. The portfolio was published by Legrand’s regular publisher, Gustave Pellet, in Paris and comprises eight sheets plus an etched title page. All sheets are executed in drypoint or etching and bear the red Pellet publishing stamp (Lugt 1193) and, in some cases, the watermark ‘Pellet et Legrand’. Legrand uses drypoint to create a velvety, deep black tone, produced by the burr on the edge of the plate, which lends the scenes a smoky-dark, almost foggy atmosphere. The lines are often nervous and sketchy, revealing movement and restlessness within the cramped bar interiors: bodies, furniture and clouds of smoke seem to shimmer slightly, emphasising the fleeting nature of the moment. Legrand follows in the tradition of French fin-de-siècle graphic artists (Félicien Rops, Toulouse-Lautrec), but applies it to a broader social spectrum. – Textile clasps missing in places, otherwise well preserved.
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About the sale Modern and Contemporary Art
Auction location
Auction time 07/11/2026 at 11:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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