Jean-Francois Raffaelli, La Mort du Chat Murr, Etching, 1875

Details

Description

Etching on laid paper Signed in plate lower left: Jean François Raffaëlli. Published by Cadart & Luquet, Éditeurs, 79 Rue … Read more Etching on laid paper Signed in plate lower left: Jean François Raffaëlli. Published by Cadart & Luquet, Éditeurs, 79 Rue Richelieu, Paris with the blindstamp of the Société des Aquafortistes, lower margin A rare and whimsical etching by Jean-François Raffaëlli, La Mort du Chat Murr (“The Death of Tomcat Murr”) is a humorous and theatrical composition blending satire and narrative imagination. In a domestic interior, a group of anthropomorphized cats gathers solemnly around the bed of the dying “Chat Murr,” their expressive gestures and attitudes rendered with striking vitality and irony. The subject, inspired by the mock-heroic tone of 19th-century popular illustration, reveals Raffaëlli’s fascination with social observation and his flair for character-driven scenes. Executed with the artist’s distinctive etched line and textured shading, the print exhibits Raffaëlli’s early virtuosity and wit, which later found more serious expression in his realist depictions of Parisian street life. This plate was published by Cadart & Luquet for the Société des Aquafortistes, one of the key associations promoting the revival of original etching in France during the mid-19th century. Fine, well-inked impression with full margins; faint traces of foxing and marginal toning consistent with age, otherwise in excellent condition. Raffaëlli’s early participation in the Société des Aquafortistes placed him among the leading printmakers of his generation. His imaginative works, such as this, blend humor and human insight in ways that prefigure his later realist sensibility. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less