David Riquier, “Moine en Prière”, 1881, after Jean Joseph Weerts

David Riquier (Alfred Hector David-Riquier) (fl.857–1881)—born in Amiens and studied under Gaucherel, Cabanel and Crauck

“Moine en Prière” (Monk in Prayer), 1881, after a painting by Jean Joseph Weerts (aka Jean Joseph Weertz) (1847–1927), printed by François Liénard (fl.c.1860s–1880s) and published in Paris in 1881 in the art periodical, “L'Art”, vol. 29, folio 5, as plate 24 on page 356 (see IFF, vol. 6, p. 56 [https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k54891736/f68]).

Etching and drypoint with plate-tone on laid paper with full margins as published.

Size: (sheet) 43.6 x 29.6cm; (plate) 31.3 x 24.7cm; (image borderline) 27.9 x 22.1cm.

Lettered in plate below the image borderline: (left) “J.J.Weertz. pinx./ L'Art.”; (centre) “MOINE EN PRIÈRE”; (right) “David Riquier sc./ F.Liénard. Imp.Paris.”

The British Museum offers the following description of this print: “Praying monk, after Weerts, bust-length, turned to the right, hands clasped, with halo; published in 'L'Art'” (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1882-0211-181 [inv. 1882,0211.181]).

From my understanding, this print was exhibited in the Salon in 1881. Interestingly, there must have been a mix-up in the catalogue entry as a report about the exhibition in “L'Estampe” (29^th May, 1881) has the following interesting comment: (transl.) “…We look for the signature. There is none. We look at the number. ‘4646’ It refers you to six engravings by Jacques David. But we only have one in front of us, and a beautiful one, by Jove! A Monk in Prayer, after Wertz. You would think you were seeing an original work. It is astonishingly powerful. No matter, we would do well to change the number” (see  https://archive.org/details/lestampe1153unse/page/n32/mode/1up).

Somewhat shockingly, this mix-up had sad consequences, as David Riquier should have (and in a way, he did) receive an honourable mention in the Salon for this print but a typographical error in the catalogue proposed that the print was by Miss Eugénie Guérard, (a wood engraver) instead of David Riquier and (sigh) “It is consequently to Miss Eugénie Guérard that the diploma was awarded” (see “L'Estampe” [3^rd July, 1881] https://archive.org/details/lestampe1153unse/page/n52/mode/1up). 

Condition: a richly inked and near faultless impression with full margins as published and in a pristine condition with no tears, holes, folds, abrasions, stains or signs of handling.

I am selling this masterwork of etching for AU $289 in total (currently US $180.10/ EUR 172.70/ GBP 143.16 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 $289) as this is my currency.

If you are interested in purchasing this simply superb etching in a pristine condition, please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.