Paul-Albert Laurens, Le Bain des Nymphes, 1898, Lithograph on Paper

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Description

Paul-albert laurens (1870-1934)

le bain des nymphes
(the nymphs' bath)

original lithograph from the glorious portfolio "l'estampe moderne", … Read more Paul-albert laurens (1870-1934)

le bain des nymphes
(the nymphs' bath)

original lithograph from the glorious portfolio "l'estampe moderne", issue #9 (january 1898)

on wove paper

year: 1898

size (sheet): 405 x 305 mm

signed in the plate "ap laurens", 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

paul-albert laurens was a prominent french painter whose work bridged the gap between the rigorous academicism of the 19th century and the evolving sensibilities of the early 20th. As the son of the celebrated jean-paul laurens, he was born into an artistic dynasty, yet he carved out a distinct identity through his mastery of light and composition. A long-time professor at the académie julian, he influenced generations of artists, emphasizing a refined balance between classical form and emotional depth.

his treatment of women subjects was particularly exquisite, marked by a gentle and reverent touch. Laurens often portrayed women in moments of quietude—reading, reflecting, or resting in sun-drenched interiors. He captured their elegance through fluid silhouettes and soft, harmonious colors, imbuing each figure with a dignified grace that felt both contemporary and timelessly poetic. Whether depicting mythological nymphs or modern parisians, his female subjects radiate a serene, psychological presence that remains his most enduring legacy.
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from the text on the tissue paper:

c'est un vallon sauvage abrité de l'euxin;
au-dessus de la source un noir laurier se penche,
et la nymphe, riant, suspendue à la branche,
frôle d'un pied craintif l'eau froide du bassin.

ses compagnes, d'un bond, à l'appel du buccin,
dans l'onde jaillissante où s'ébat leur chair blanche
plongent, et de l'écume émergent une hanche,
de clairs cheveux, un torse ou la rose d'un sein.

une gaîté divine emplit le grand bois sombre.
mais deux yeux, brusquement, ont illuminé l'ombre.
le satyre!\. Son rire épouvante leurs jeux;

elles s'élancent. Tel, lorsqu'un corbeau sinistre
croasse, sur le fleuve éperdument neigeux
s'effarouche le vol des cygnes de caÿstre.
josé-maria de heredia
(les trophées)

english translation:

it is a wild valley sheltered from the euxine;
above the spring, a dark laurel leans,
and the nymph, laughing, suspended from the branch,
brushes with a timid foot the cold water of the basin.

her companions, with a leap, at the call of the buccina,
plunge into the gushing wave where their white flesh frolics,
and from the foam emerges a hip,
bright hair, a torso, or the rose of a breast.

a divine gaiety fills the great dark woods.
but two eyes, suddenly, have illuminated the shadow.
the satyr!\. His laughter terrifies their games;

they dash away. Just as, when a sinister raven
crows, upon the desperately snowy river,
the flight of the swans of caÿster takes fright.

josé-maria de heredia
(the trophies)

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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