Charles Jacque, “Portrait of Jules Luquet”, 1866 (2nd copy)

Charles Jacque (aka Charles Émile Jacque) (1813–1894)

“Portrait of Jules Luquet” (aka “M Jules Luquet, Directeur de la Société des Aquafortistes”), 1866, a rare impression before lettering and numbering for publication as plate 241 for the fifth volume of prints, “Eaux-Fortes Modernes”, produced by the Société des Aquafortistes (see an impression from the lettered state held by the Philadelphia Museum of Art [https://philamuseum.org/collection/object/255984] and an impression from the first state before the addition of aquatint offered by Gallerie Paul Prouté [https://galeriepaulproute.fr/estampes/13630-jacque-portrait-de-jules-luquet]). Note that Jules Luquet (1824–?)—the subject of this portrait—not only collaborated with Alfred Cadart (1828–1875) as co-founders of the firm, Cadart & Luquet (fl.1863–1867), who published this print in Paris, but he is also the director of the Société des Aquafortistes (Society of Etchers) who sponsored the publication. Although Jules Luquet is a printer, Auguste Delâtre (aka Auguste Marie Delâtre) (1822–1907) is shown as the printer in the publication details of the final state.

Etching with aquatint and plate tone on laid paper with a partial watermark and generously wide margins.

Size: (sheet) 50.7 x 34.3 cm; (platemark) 31.7 x 23.8 cm; (image borderline) 25.5 x 20.5 cm.

Inscribed in plate within the image borderline: (upper-left corner) “Ch. Jacque 1866.”

Beraldi 437 (Henri Béraldi 1889, “Les Graveurs du XIXe Siècle: Guide de l'Amateur d'Estampes Modernes”, vol. VIII, Paris, Librairie L. Conquet, p. 180, cat. no. 437); IFF 332 (Jean Adhémar & Jacques Lethève 1954, “Inventaire du Fonds Français après 1800”, vol. 11, Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, p. 117, cat. no. 332).

See also the description of this print offered by the British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1867-1214-2.

Note that this is the second impression of this etching that I have listed (see https://www.printsandprinciples.com/2021/05/charles-jacques-etching-m-jules-luquet.html). The previous copy was from the lettered state and has been sold.

Condition: a richly inked and near faultless early impression before lettering for publication with generously wide margins in a near pristine condition with no tears, holes, folds, losses, abrasions or significant stains.

I am selling this historically important portrait of a leading printer, publisher and advocate of the Etching Revival movement of the late 19^th century that promoted original etchings (as opposed to reproductive engravings) as a significant art form, for AU$323 in total (currently US$219.91/EUR197.46/GBP166.09 at the time of posting this print) 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$323) as this is my currency.

If you are interested in purchasing this masterwork of portrait etching executed with the utmost skill and confidence by one of the luminaries of the Barbizon School, please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.