Louis Icart, Maiden's Breasts from the Life of Breasts, Nude, Original Etching & Aquatint, 1945

Details

Description

Louis icart (1888 - 1950)

maiden's breasts / virgin breasts (seins de pucelle)
from "the life of breasts"

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

maiden's breasts / virgin breasts (seins de pucelle)
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:

"maiden's breast

your breast, my dear, is barely marked\. Your skin is, in general, very white, and even seems translucent. Thus, very often, pale-blue veins streak these globes of warm alabaster. Your temperament is upright and sincere, but inclined toward excessive shyness. Try to acquire a bit of audacity.

does a light rub of the finger make the nipple stand up? your nature is then too impressionable; such is the case of one of my adorable clients: m.lle hélène de la m\. Whose nipple would emerge and stiffen just by blowing on it!\.

she was so impressionable that she would fall into a faint just at the sight of a caterpillar!

rarely does one see hair on breasts of this conformation. But in the event that some were found, it would mean that your nature will soon change: you will become bold and strong.

if the inverted nipple presents only a transverse slit, you are, mademoiselle, whimsical and inconstant. You will experience "bolts of lightning" (crushes) to which you will not attach importance for very long\. Which will not be without danger for you\."

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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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