Louis Malteste, Marchande de Lacets, 1897, Lithograph on Paper

Details

Description

Louis Malteste (1862-1928)

Marchande de Lacets (Female Lace Peddler)

Original Lithograph from the glorious portfolio "L'Estampe Moderne", issue #1 (May … Read more Louis Malteste (1862-1928)

Marchande de Lacets (Female Lace Peddler)

Original Lithograph from the glorious portfolio "L'Estampe Moderne", issue #1 (May 1897)

On wove paper

Year: 1897

Size (sheet): 405 x 305 mm

Signed on the plate "Louis Malteste 1897", lower right

Blind stamp of the publisher, lower right

Great condition: minor signs of age and handling
Full margins (not cropped, not trimmed)

___

About the Collection (L'Estampe Moderne)

L'Estampe Moderne appeared in 1897-1899 as a series of 24 monthly fascicles, each containing 4 original lithographs, printed by Parisian Imprimerie Champenois. Many accomplished European Art Nouveau painters contributed works to this publication, which contained only Original prints invented and produced especially for this collection. The publication was edited by Charles Masson and H. Piazza. Each issue came in a paper cover bearing an original lithograph by Alphonse Mucha.
Each lithograph was accompanied by a tissue containing the details (title of the artwork, name of the artist, etc.) and a short text by a well-known author who inspired the artist.
___

About the artist

Louis Malteste (1862–1928), born Jules Malteste in Chartres, was a versatile French artist celebrated as a painter, lithographer, and prolific illustrator. He was a quintessential figure of the "Belle Époque," often capturing the grit and charm of Parisian street life, from bustling flea markets to the quiet trades of peddlers. Malteste was deeply embedded in the vibrant print culture of his time, contributing to famous satirical journals like L’Assiette au Beurre and producing striking posters for cinema and theatre. Beyond his commercial illustrations, Malteste exhibited at prestigious venues such as the Salon des Cent and the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts. His works, particularly his delicate lithographs and evocative gouaches, are held in esteemed collections, most notably: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, The British Museum, London, The Musée Carnavalet, Paris and The National Library of France (BnF), Paris
___

from the text on the tissue paper:

"Louis Malteste a rendu avec un rare bonheur, dans la planche qu'il a bien voulu exécuter pour l'Estampe moderne, le type populaire de la marchande de lacets. A voir ce dessin vigoureux, plein de vie, on sent que l'artiste a coutume d'étudier et de croquer sur le vif le peuple pittoresque des gagne deniers partout où il le rencontre, et dans le cadre qui sied à leur genre d'existence.
Quelle vérité dans l'attitude et le geste! Quelle justesse dans la physionomie de cette brave vieille, tassée sur les caisses vides, les pieds chaussés de grosses galoches qui fument sur la chaufferette! Près d'elle, sur l'asphalte du trottoir où elle a passé, où elle finit sa vie, est posé le panier rempli des menus objets qu'elle offre d'une voix bougonneuse et résignée à la pratique qui ne s'attarde guère."

English Translation:

with a rare felicity, Louis Malteste has captured the popular archetype of the lace seller in the plate he so kindly executed for L'Estampe moderne. Looking at this vigorous drawing, so full of life, one senses that the artist is accustomed to studying and sketching from life the picturesque common folk—those who earn their living penny by penny—wherever he encounters them, and within the settings that suit their way of life.

What truth there is in the posture and the gesture! What accuracy in the face of this good old woman, huddled upon empty crates, her feet clad in heavy clogs that steam atop a foot-warmer! Beside her, on the asphalt of the sidewalk where she has spent and is now ending her life, sits the basket filled with the small trinkets she offers in a grumbling yet resigned voice to the passersby, who hardly linger.
___

Important:

. The listing is for the original print, in the above mentioned excellent condition.
. The original tissue paper introduction will be given to the buyer as a gift
. The cover by Mucha and the edition (back of the cover) are shown as a reference and proof of authenticity and edition This piece has an attribution mark,
I am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less