Louis Icart, Very Large Areola from The Life of Breasts, Nude, Original Etching & Aquatint, 1945

Details

Description

Louis icart (1888 - 1950)

very large areola (aréole très large)
from "the life of breasts"

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

very large areola (aréole très large)
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:

"very large areola

in this case, the areola is generally quite colored. It is somewhat swollen, with the nipple barely protruding.

this denotes a timid, gentle nature, one that is not very resistant—weak, above all, in the face of men's advances.

however, if the nipple retracts under the pressure of a finger and then quickly re-emerges, the servility of this temperament is balanced by caprice, lightheartedness, and even frivolity. A love of change, and change in love.

if the areola is adorned with a few hairs in the shape of a crown, their presence is the omen of a brilliant affair to which you, madame, will this time remain faithful—not out of love, but out of self-interest—with a man much older than yourself.

if the mammary gland remains firm under the grasp of the hand, this liaison will place you in luxury and abundance. The example of mlle. De la vallière is striking on this point. Did the king not say of her: "she had a little iron ball in each breast!""

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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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