Henri Héran, Fleur de Mai, 1897, Lithograph on Paper

Details

Description

Henri héran (1864-1946)

fleur de mai
(mayflower)

original lithograph from the glorious portfolio "l'estampe moderne", issue #4 (august 1897)

on … Read more Henri héran (1864-1946)

fleur de mai
(mayflower)

original lithograph from the glorious portfolio "l'estampe moderne", issue #4 (august 1897)

on wove paper

year: 1897

size (sheet): 405 x 305 mm

signed on the plate "henri héran", lower right

blind stamp of the publisher, lower right

excellent condition: minor signs of age and handling
full margins (not cropped, not trimmed)
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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.
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the artist

henri héran (1864–1939) was a german artist who became a key figure in the parisian symbolist and art nouveau scenes. His style is defined by a dreamlike, often eerie atmosphere that blends technical precision with mystical themes. A master of printmaking, héran excelled in woodcut and lithography, contributing regularly to influential avant-garde journals like l'estampe moderne.

his work frequently portrays the tension between the physical and spiritual worlds, often placing ethereal, statuesque figures within stylized, rhythmic landscapes. Héran was particularly adept at using color to manipulate mood, shifting between somber, melancholic twilights and vibrant, supernatural light. This ability to evoke deep emotional states through decorative arrangement earned him a reputation as a highly original voice during the fin de siècle, bridging the gap between traditional draftsmanship and the burgeoning modern aesthetic.
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from the text on the tissue paper:

"ses yeux pales, ses yeux en pleur,
l'eau qui passe en a la couleur;
ses yeux froids, où mon cœur se brise,
l'eau qui dort en a la traîtrise\.
son rire franc d'enfant jaseur,
l'eau qui passe en a la douceur;
ses longs dédains sans violence,
l'eau qui dort en a le silence\.
ses bras enlaçants, ses bras frais,
l'eau qui passe en a les attraits\.
sa lèvre qui s'offre et qui nie,
l'eau qui dort en a l'ironie.
henri laplace.

tout le mystère du rêve enclos dans les yeux de la femme et dans les profondeurs de l'eau en même temps que tout le charme printanier émanant des fleurs nouvelles et de la jeunesse d'un corps féminin, voilà ce qu'avec son talent souple et délicat henri héran a cherché et rendu si harmonieusement."

english translation:

her pale eyes, her weeping eyes,
the passing water shares their hue;
her cold eyes, where my heart breaks,
the sleeping water shares their treachery\.
her frank laugh of a chattering child,
the passing water shares its sweetness;
her long disdains without violence,
the sleeping water shares their silence\.
her entwining arms, her cool arms,
the passing water shares their charms\.
her lip that offers itself and denies,
the sleeping water shares its irony.
— henri laplace.

all the mystery of the dream enclosed within a woman's eyes and the depths of the water—together with all the springtime charm emanating from fresh flowers and the youth of a feminine body—this is what henri héran, with his supple and delicate talent, has sought and rendered so harmoniously.
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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