Paul-César Helleu’s drypoint, “Jeune Femme Cousant”, 1892

Paul-César Helleu (1859–1927)

“Jeune Femme Cousant” (aka “Young Woman Sewing”; “Girl Threading a Needle”), 1892 (or 1886 [MET attribution]).

Note that this print is described by several dealers as having been published in 1892 in the “Gazette des Beaux-Arts” in Paris. Although I believe that the margins of the print make the publication in this journal possible, I have been unable to locate this print in either of the two issues of this journal in 1892—but, of course, I may have missed seeing it.

Drypoint with plate tone on laid paper. Note that this plate is unsigned and is without lettered title or publication details.

Size: (sheet) 27.5 x 18.7 cm; (plate) 19.7 x 15.6 cm; (image borderline) 19.1 x 15 cm.

IFF 2 (Jean Adhémar, Jacques Lethève 1954, “Inventaire du Fonds Francais Après 1800”, Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale de France, p. 190, cat. no. 2).

See also the description of this print (not illustrated) offered by The Metropolitan Museum of Art: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/843040?searchField=All&sortBy=Relevance&ft=Paul+Helleu&offset=0&rpp=20&pos=14

Condition: a strong, near faultless impression in near pristine condition with no tears, folds, holes, abrasions, losses, stains, foxing or signs of handling.

I am selling this sensitively executed and exceptionally beautiful portrait of the artist’s wife (Alice Hellue) threading a needle, for the total cost of AU$416 (currently US$315.97/EUR258.62/GBP233.30 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.

If you are interested in purchasing this exquisite drypoint executed with the artist’s diamond tipped needle—a tool that I understand was envied by his friends and was given to him by his favourite model—please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.

This print has been sold