Louis Icart, Pear Breasts from The Life of Breasts, Nude, Original Etching & Aquatint, 1945

Details

Description

Louis icart (1888 - 1950)

pear breasts (seins en poire)
from "the life of breasts"

original colour etching and aquatint
… Read more Louis icart (1888 - 1950)

pear breasts (seins en poire)
from "the life of breasts"

original colour etching and aquatint
size: 28 x 23 cm
year: 1945
original and only edition
total edition of 200
numbered 129 in the edition page
(very rare)

excellent condition

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the portfolio

"la vie des seins" (the life of breasts) is an exquisite and rare illustrated portfolio published in paris in 1945.
this work stands as a fascinating example of late art deco elegance, created during a pivotal moment in french history.
while the text is credited to "docteur jacobus", the true soul of the volume lies in the mastery of its illustrator, louis icart (1888–1950).

icart, the preeminent artist of parisian "boudoir" style, provided fifteen original color etchings for the suite, including five impressive double-page spreads. The portfolio is presented as a "pseudo-medical" or satirical treatise, exploring the aesthetic and anatomical varieties of the female form with titles like "virgin breasts" or "granular areola." despite the clinical-sounding theme, icart’s artistic touch remains delicate, sophisticated, and ethereal.

his use of drypoint and aquatint captures the "parisian eve" with the lightness and romanticism that made him a global icon of the 1920s and 30s. Printed in a very limited edition of 200 copies, la vie des seins is highly sought after by collectors today. It represents a mature stage of icart’s career, blending his signature erotic charm with the refined craftsmanship of mid-century french editions.

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this very artwork

from the text by dr. Jacobus:

"pear breasts

firm and pointed, they reveal a sensitive, loving, and affectionate nature, though one perhaps too prone to emotional outbursts. Your experiences with motherhood will be happy and easy, especially if the areola is lightly tanned around the edges.

pear-shaped breasts have a tendency to sag with age, fatigue, repeated jolts, and, above all, dancing. Therefore, allow them to be caressed only from the bottom upward.

to keep them firm and upright for a long time, perform daily massages with cold, lightly salted water, moving from bottom to top between the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

the distinctly pointed shape is that of good wet nurses. Repeated and prolonged suckling does not deform them at all—on the contrary.

due to your kind and trusting nature, you are inclined to disclose the secrets of your private life. Avoid speaking of your love affairs to other women; you would inevitably be envied—or exploited."

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this listing is for the original etching and aquatint by louis icart. The colophon and edition page are pictured as proof of authenticity; high-resolution scans and a certificate of authenticity can be provided to the buyer upon request. I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
designer records,
or other literature sources and take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising
from
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