Eugène Bléry’s etching, “Le Feu”, 1843

Eugène Bléry (aka Alexandre Stanislas Eugène Bléry) (1805–1887)

“Le Feu” (The fire), 1843, proof-state impression of the first plate in the series of eight views, “Souvenirs Pittoresques” (Picturesque memories) (Beraldi 36–43; see https://archive.org/details/lesgraveursdu19e02berauoft/page/106/mode/2up).

Etching with drypoint and dot roulette on tan chine collé (China) on wove paper.

Size: (sheet) 20.4 x 23.6 cm; (plate) 12.1 x 16.5 cm: (chine collé) 10.5 x 15 cm; (image borderline) 9.8 x 14 cm.

Proof-state impression before the addition of lettered publication details.

Beraldi 36 (Henri Beraldi 1885-92 “Les Graveurs du dix-neuvième siècle; Guide de l'Amateur d'Estampes Modernes”, vol. 2, Paris, L. Conquet, p. 106, cat. no. 36); IFF 40 (Inventaire du Fonds Français: Bibliothèque Nationale, Département des Estampes, Paris, 1930).

The British Museum offers the following description of this print:

“Night scene with in the centre foreground three figures and a dog around a fire, in a forest”

(https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1856-0712-286).

See also the description of this print at the Fine Arts Museums of San Franscisco which interestingly adds a dash of mystery to what is portrayed by describing this campfire scene as: “3 figures and dog illuminated in forest by strange light”

(https://art.famsf.org/eugene-stanislaus-alexandre-blery/souvenirs-pittoresque-le-feu-1963303047).

Condition: richly inked and well-printed impression in excellent/near pristine condition (i.e. there are no tears, holes, folds, losses, stains or foxing).

I am selling this rarely seen etching—especially a proof-state impression before the addition of the publication details—for AU$260 (currently US$178.81EUR158.96/GBP142.38 at the time of posting this print) including postage and handling to anywhere in the world (but not, of course, any import duties/taxes imposed by some countries).

If you are interested in purchasing this small and glowing etching of three travellers and their dog around a campfire, please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.