Henri Bellery-Desfontaines, L'Illusion, 1897, Lithograph on Paper

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Description

Henri bellery-desfontaines (1867-1909)

l'illusion

original lithograph from the glorious portfolio "l'estampe moderne", issue #5 (september 1897)

on wove paper

year: … Read more Henri bellery-desfontaines (1867-1909)

l'illusion

original lithograph from the glorious portfolio "l'estampe moderne", issue #5 (september 1897)

on wove paper

year: 1897

size (sheet): 405 x 305 mm

signed on the plate "h bellery-desfontaines 1897", lower left

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 bellery-desfontaines (1867–1909) was a quintessential figure of the french art nouveau movement, celebrated for his extraordinary versatility as a painter, illustrator, and designer. His style is defined by a bold, decorative synthesis of rhythmic lines and organic forms, often drawing inspiration from neo-gothic and flemish influences. He was a master of the "total art" philosophy, applying his aesthetic vision to everything from high-end furniture and tapestry to typography and stained glass.

in his graphic work, such as his contributions to l'estampe moderne, bellery-desfontaines showcased a penchant for powerful, statuesque figures—often mythological or allegorical—framed by intricate, swirling ornamentation. His compositions are characterised by a sense of monumental structure and a rich, sophisticated use of color. A key collaborator with the bellery-desfontaines foundry, he also designed influential typefaces that mirrored the fluid elegance of his illustrations. His work remains a testament to the seamless marriage of fine art and industrial craftsmanship.
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from the text on the tissue paper:

"a travers ses rêves coutumiers, l'adolescent évoqua parfois la beauté d'une vision féminine. Et voici qu'aujourd'hui cette vision, qui semblait toujours le fuir, se précise et lui apparaît. Sur une grève aux flots changeants, l'illusion s'avance, toute parée du charme prestigieux qu'elle revêt aux reux de la jeunesse. Tandis que les cygnes, qui ont traîné sa blanche nacelle à travers des océans inconnus, s'arrêtent un moment près de la rive, elle s'approche du jeune homme qui l'appela tant de fois de ses vœux, et lui offre la douceur du premier baiser. Et lui, agenouillé, la regarde venir : ses yeux, dans leur ineffable et doux ravissement, ne voient pas l'arme perfide qu'elle dissimule et dont elle frappe impitoyablement tous ceux qui se laissent prendre au piège trompeur de ses charmes."

english translation:

through his customary dreams, the adolescent sometimes evoked the beauty of a feminine vision. And now, today, this vision, which always seemed to flee from him, takes shape and appears before him. Upon a shore of changing waves, illusion advances, fully adorned with the enchanting charm she dons in the eyes of youth. While the swans, who have towed her white skiff across unknown oceans, pause for a moment near the bank, she approaches the young man who called for her so many times in his prayers and offers him the sweetness of a first kiss. And he, kneeling, watches her come: his eyes, in their ineffable and gentle rapture, do not see the treacherous weapon she conceals, with which she pitilessly strikes all those who allow themselves to be caught in the deceptive trap of her charms.
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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