Léon Gaucherel, “Where the Hell Does Love Go to Nest!”, 1873, after Charles-Edouard de Beaumont

Léon Gaucherel (1816­–1886)

“Where the Hell Does Love Go to Nest!” (aka “Où diable l'amour va-t-il de nicher!”; “Notre-Dame de Paris Gargouille et Amour”), 1873, after a painting by Charles-Edouard de Beaumont (aka Édouard de Beaumont) (1821–1888) that was based on a photograph by Charles Nègre (1820–1880), printed by Charles Delâtre (fl.c1872–1876) and published in Paris in August 24, 1873, as an illustration, plate 22, to the article, “Paris en Voyage", on page 44 of “Paris à l'Eau Forte” (see https://www.princeton.edu/~graphicarts/2012/07/du_diable_lamour_ya-t-il_se_ni.html & https://app.smartify.org/ro/objects/ou-diable-l-amour-va-t-il-se-nicher).

Note that the gargoyle on the left is the famous “Vampire” featured in Charles Meryon’s (1821–1868), “Le Stryge”, 1853 (https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/7009/). Although I may be wrong, I suspect that these gargoyles may have held a special significance for Gaucherel, as they were fairly recent additions to the cathedral during the time when (I understand) he worked on its restoration. Interestingly, the restoration of Notre-Dame was completed only three years before this print was executed.

Etching with drypoint on cream laid paper with full margins as published.

Size: (sheet) 27.9 x 18.6 cm; (plate) 18.1 x 12.3 cm; (image borderline) 16.6 x 11 cm.

Inscribed in plate above the image borderline: (right) “A 6.”.

Inscribed in plate within the image borderline: (lower right following the balustrade edge) “E Beaumont […]”.

Inscribed in plate below the image borderline: (left) “Imp: C Delatre”; (left-of-centre) “Ou diable l'amour va-t-il de nicher[n?]!”; (right) “Leon’ Gaucherel [deL?]”.

Condition: a strong and well-printed impression with full margins as published. The sheet is in very good (near pristine) condition with no tears, holes, abrasions or significant stains.

I am selling this curiously wonderful etching of love among the gargoyles of Notre-Dame, for a total cost of AU$254 (currently US$167.38/EUR151.97/GBP130.46 at the time of this listing) including Express Mail (EMS) postage and handling to anywhere in the world, but not (of course) any import duties/taxes imposed by some countries. Note that payment is in Australian dollars (AU$254) as this is my currency.

If you are interested in purchasing this fascinating etching designed to invite contemplation about the significance of its title (scratched below the image), please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.