Artwork

Frontispiece for "La Reliure française"

Frontispiece for "La Reliure française", by Edmond Hédouin, ink, 1879
Frontispiece for "La Reliure française", by Edmond Hédouin, ink, 1879

Frontispiece for "La Reliure française" is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Edmond Hédouin. It dates from 1879 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:In plate, at lower right: Ed. Héd 79.

About this work

Overview

Edmond Hédouin's 1879 etching, created as the frontispiece for 'La Reliure française', presents a meticulously detailed scene of three figures in a furnished room, executed with nuanced lines and shading.

Subject & Meaning

At the center, a woman in a long dress stands with outstretched arms, flanked by two men in 18th-century attire who appear to assist her. The setting includes a bookshelf, chair, and scattered books, suggesting a context related to literature or craftsmanship, potentially alluding to the bookbinding theme of 'La Reliure française'.

Technique & Style

Hédouin's use of etching achieves a realistic, detailed effect with intricate lines and shading, imparting depth and texture. The medium allows for subtle variations in tone, enhancing the image's overall richness.

History & Provenance

Created in 1879 for 'La Reliure française', specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

The etching's theme may relate to the bookbinding context of the publication it fronts, 'La Reliure française', possibly depicting a scene of book restoration, creation, or appreciation, set in a historical context reflected by the men's attire.

La confiance des belles âmes
La confiance des belles âmes, Antoine-Jean Duclos

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Frontispiece for "La Reliure française"?

Frontispiece for "La Reliure française" was painted by Edmond Hédouin in 1879.

Where can I see Frontispiece for "La Reliure française"?

Frontispiece for "La Reliure française" is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Frontispiece for "La Reliure française"?

Frontispiece for "La Reliure française" is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Frontispiece for "La Reliure française"?

Museum-quality prints of Frontispiece for "La Reliure française" are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.