Lucien Simon, Les Marguillers, 1897, Lithograph on Paper

Details

Description

Lucien simon (1861-1945)

les marguillers
(the churcwardens)

original lithograph from the glorious portfolio "l'estampe moderne", issue #8 (december … Read more Lucien simon (1861-1945)

les marguillers
(the churcwardens)

original lithograph from the glorious portfolio "l'estampe moderne", issue #8 (december 1897)

on wove paper

year: 1897

size (sheet): 405 x 305 mm

signed in the plate "l simon", 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

louis simon was a french painter and lithographer whose work beautifully bridged the gap between academic tradition and the emerging modernism of the late 19th century. A student of the prestigious école des beaux-arts in paris, simon became a mainstay of the parisian salons, where he was celebrated for his ability to infuse classical compositions with a vibrant, luminous energy. His style is characterized by a fluid, expressive brushstroke and a masterful command of light, which he used to lend a sense of drama and immediacy to his subjects.

while his repertoire included historical and religious themes, simon truly excelled in portraiture and genre scenes. He had a particular talent for capturing the character and dignity of his sitters, often placing them in atmospheric settings that hinted at a deeper narrative. His contributions to l'estampe moderne showcased his skill as a printmaker, where he translated his painterly sensibilities into the graphic medium with remarkable elegance. Simon remains a significant figure of the belle époque, remembered for his technical prowess and his sensitive portrayal of the human condition.
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from the text on the tissue paper:

avec la franchise d'un observateur consciencieux, lucien simon qui, loin de toute subtilité, se plaît toujours dans la notation fidèle des scènes qu'il voit autour de lui, nous montre ici les physionomies typiques des marguilliers, des membres de la fabrique qui participent à l'administration des biens de la paroisse.
derrière le groupe des fillettes enmousselinées de blanc qui se perd dans les profondeurs de l'église parfumée d'encens, suivant le prêtre en chasuble dorée qui vient d'officier, les marguilliers s'avancent, portant chacun à la main leur cierge allumé\. Ils rentrent a la sacristie par la porte basse du transept dans des attitudes diverses dont l'artiste a su saisir sur le vif les caractères parti-culiers.
par les verrières de la nef un peu froide dans ses proportions architec-turales, glisse un rayon pále d'hiver qui colore les bannières et accroche des accents de lumière aux draperies rigides des statues de saints.

english translation:

with the frankness of a conscientious observer, lucien simon—who, far from all subtlety, always delights in the faithful notation of the scenes he sees around him—shows us here the typical countenances of the churchwardens, the members of the vestry who participate in the administration of the parish property.

behind the group of young girls enveloped in white muslin, who fade into the depths of the church scented with incense, following the priest in his golden chasuble who has just finished officiating, the churchwardens come forward, each carrying their lit candle in hand\. They return to the sacristy through the low door of the transept in various poses, whose particular characters the artist has managed to capture from life.

through the stained-glass windows of the nave, which is somewhat cold in its architectural proportions, glides a pale winter ray, coloring the banners and catching accents of light on the rigid draperies of the statues of saints.
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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