Louis Icart, Highly Swollen Areola from The Life of Breasts, Nude, Original Etching & Aquatint, 1945

Details

Description

Louis icart (1888 - 1950)

highly swollen areola (aréole très renflée)
from "the life of breasts"

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

highly swollen areola (aréole très renflée)
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:

"highly swollen areola

a distinctive sign of tropical races of asian or african origin. The observations regarding this category of breasts are similar to the previous note, but more accentuated.

the woman of color is generally expansive and indolent. Curious and talkative, she must not accept everything her partners tell her without verification.

her motherhoods are all the more frequent because they are naturally easy.

her health is robust as long as she does not change climates, but her life is not of long duration. Since puberty arrives very early, the marks of old age are already apparent starting from the 20th year. Thus, this shape of breast is extremely delicate and does not remain in a state of firmness for long.

on the other hand, the creole woman, although having the same conformation, owes to the portion of "blue blood" flowing in her veins the advantage of preserving both her youth and the pure contour of her breasts for a very long time. For this, she must also bathe often and avoid all excesses, whether at the table or in bed!"

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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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