Early 19th Century Ignaz Marcel Gaugengigl "The Loafer" Etching in Antique Wood Frame

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Description

Ignaz Marcel Gaugengigl "The Loafer" Etching in Antique Wood Frame

This 1883 etching depicts a "dandy" from the pre-Napoleonic era, … Read more Ignaz Marcel Gaugengigl "The Loafer" Etching in Antique Wood Frame

This 1883 etching depicts a "dandy" from the pre-Napoleonic era, leaning casually while sporting a traditional tricorn hat—a style that remained fashionable until approximately 1800. The work showcases Gaugengigl's signature attention to costume detail and figurative posture, characteristic of his Bavarian-influenced training at the Academy of Fine Arts Munich.

The print features the artist's signature in the plate ("I.M. Gaugengigl") and carries a copyright date of 1883 by the prominent Boston publishing firm Estes & Lauriat. This specific impression was likely part of a prestigious limited-edition portfolio, such as Famous Etchers or Original Etchings by American Artists, which helped cement Gaugengigl's reputation in the American art world.

Dimensions
Frame: 24.5 inches H x 19.5 inches W
Visible Image (Sight): 10.25 inches H x 13.5 inches W

Provenance
The work was published in Boston by Estes & Lauriat, a firm that specialized in high-quality art portfolios during the late 19th century. The piece is housed in its antique hand-carved wood frame, which likely dates to the late 1800s, suggesting it has been preserved as a single unit since its original acquisition.

Condition
Very Good Antique Condition. The etching displays an authentic, warm age-toning. There is no evidence of significant water damage or foxing in the central figure. The substantial antique wood frame is structurally sound with a rich, dark grain and an ornate inner border that complements the historical theme of the artwork.

A sophisticated acquisition for collectors of American etchings or those seeking to add 19th-century "Grandmillennial" elegance to their decor. This signed work represents a notable period in Boston's art history. See less