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

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Description

Louis icart (1888 - 1950)

little breasts (les seins petits)
from "the life of breasts"

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

little breasts (les seins petits)
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:

"small breasts

this is the shape of breasts painted by the primitive masters. A small nipple, and nothing more. Barely any areola! this is exactly the breast shape i observed on mme de pompadour when i had the honor of treating her in 1754.

it is the conformation of nordic races. It indicates, above all, a reserved and distrustful nature, as well as one that is subtle and ambitious—notably when the veins are very apparent.

when both breasts are perfectly symmetrical, of equal volume, and when the mammary glands feel identical under the pressure of the fingers, your life will unfold exactly according to your desires.

mme de pompadour became the favorite of a king—and what a king! a similar fate perhaps awaits you? at the very least, you are certain to become the wife—or the mistress—of an important personage, and you will very soon lead a grand existence\. Take care to lotion them, to massage them gently, not to compress them, and not to let them be bruised in moments of abandon. In a word: always keep your cool."

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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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