After Chassériau, Les Sylphides, Nudes at the Water's Edge, Lithograph, 1840

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Les Sylphides – The Water's Edge, Romantic Nude Lithograph, Paris circa 1840 This elegant 19th-century lithograph titled Les Sylphides – … Read more Les Sylphides – The Water's Edge, Romantic Nude Lithograph, Paris circa 1840 This elegant 19th-century lithograph titled Les Sylphides – The Water’s Edge (Le bord de l’étang) is a refined example of Romantic art and academic nude study from the mid-1800s. Two idealized young women are depicted nude in a tranquil natural setting beside a pond or lake. One stands gracefully while the other sits partially draped, gently holding the other’s foot as they engage in a moment of serene companionship. Their expressions are tender and their gestures intimate, evoking the classical spirit of mythological nymphs or water spirits. This lithograph was based on a drawing by C. Chassériau and printed by Bocquet Frères à Metz. It was published in Paris by T. Simonet, Passage Colbert, and also issued in London by Ernest Gambart & Co., 25 Berners Street. The print is marked as number 5 in a series, part of a larger portfolio under the title Étude de la Nature (Study of Nature), which featured romanticized female figures in idealized landscapes. The title Les Sylphides refers to mythical air spirits associated with grace and beauty, a popular motif in Romantic art and literature. While rooted in the aesthetic of classical mythology, the image also reflects the 19th-century taste for allegorical female nudes set in nature—emphasizing form, harmony, and tranquility rather than overt sensuality. Lithography, especially in the hands of skilled artists and printers, allowed for soft tonal shading, smooth anatomy, and finely textured landscapes, all of which are visible here in the folds of the drapery, the delicate rendering of limbs, and the atmospheric woodland background. Condition report: The print is in very good condition. The image area is crisp and beautifully preserved. Minor foxing is visible in the margins and a few light age spots appear near the top and lower right. The sheet is full and untrimmed, with strong paper quality and no tears or repairs. Framing suggestions: For a balanced and classic presentation, use a gold or warm wooden frame with a soft ivory or light taupe mat. The gentle tones and flowing lines of the image will be enhanced by subtle framing that does not overpower the delicate subject. UV-protective glass is recommended. This lithograph is an ideal addition to a collection of Romantic art, 19th-century female studies, or classical-themed decorative prints. See less