Hermann Paul, The Work, 1890s, Lithograph

Details

Description

Original lithograph, realized in the last years of 19th Century. Specimen "avant la lettre", before the text. A striking and … Read more Original lithograph, realized in the last years of 19th Century. Specimen "avant la lettre", before the text. A striking and highly graphic Belle Époque composition by the celebrated French illustrator Hermann-Paul, created for the Parisian publication “L’Œuvre” (address noted on the sheet: Administration, 23 rue Turgot). Executed in bold black line with remarkable economy of means, the work combines caricatural portraiture and theatrical staging, typical of Hermann-Paul’s socially incisive style. The scene depicts a provocatively posed female figure, rendered with sharp satirical intent, juxtaposed with a watchful male figure peering from a window above. The contrast between voyeurism and display gives the image an unmistakable fin-de-siècle, cabaret-like tone, while also reflecting the artist’s sharp commentary on bourgeois morality, spectacle, and the public gaze. The sheet retains its original printed editorial text and typography, creating a compelling intersection between artwork and historical press ephemera—a desirable quality for collectors of late 19th-century French graphic art and illustration. Good overall condition, with minor signs of handling and age wear, as expected for works of this nature. Matted (dimension of matte cm. 65x50) 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