Louis Rhead, Jane, 1897, Lithograph on Paper

Details

Description

Louis rhead (1857-1926)

jane

original lithograph from the glorious portfolio "l'estampe moderne", second special plate of the first year

on … Read more Louis rhead (1857-1926)

jane

original lithograph from the glorious portfolio "l'estampe moderne", second special plate of the first year

on wove paper

year: 1897

size (sheet): 405 x 305 mm

signed on the plate "louis rhead", 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

louis rhead (1857–1926) was a british-born american artist and illustrator who became one of the most influential figures in the "golden age" of the poster. His style is a vibrant fusion of art nouveau and the arts and crafts movement, characterized by bold, thick outlines, flattened perspectives, and a rich, saturated color palette. Deeply influenced by the works of eugene grasset, rhead’s designs often featured statuesque women—frequently referred to as "rhead girls"—surrounded by intricate floral motifs and stylized natural elements.
rhead was a master of the decorative line, using it to create harmonious compositions that balanced commercial appeal with high-art sensibilities. Beyond his iconic advertising posters, he was a prolific book illustrator, bringing a distinct medievalist charm to classics like robin hood and the pilgrim’s progress.
his work is held in esteemed collections globally, including: the metropolitan museum of art, new york; the museum of modern art (moma), new york; the victoria and albert museum, london; the library of congress, washington, d.c.; musée d'orsay, paris
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from the text on the tissue paper:

je pâlis et tombe en langueur:
deux beaux yeux m'ont blessé le cœur.
rose pourprée et tout humide,
ce n'était pas sa lèvre en feu;
c'étaient ses yeux d'un si beau bleu
sous l'or de sa tresse fluide.
je pâlis et tombe en langueur:
deux beaux yeux m'ont blessé le cœur.
toute mon âme fut ravie!
doux étaient son rire et sa voix;
mais ses deux yeux bleus, je le vois,
ont pris mes forces et ma vie!
je pâlis et tombe en langueur:
deux beaux yeux m'ont blessé le cœur.
hélas! la chose est bien certaine,
si jane repousse mon vœu,
dans ces deux yeux d'un si beau bleu
j'aurai puisé ma mort prochaine!
je palis et tombe en langueur:
deux beaux yeux m'ont blessé le cœur.
leconte de lisle
(chansons écossaises)

english translation:

i grow pale and fall into a languor:
two beautiful eyes have wounded my heart.
a crimson rose, all dewy—
it was not her lip of fire;
it was her eyes of such a beautiful blue
beneath the gold of her fluid tress.
i grow pale and fall into a languor:
two beautiful eyes have wounded my heart.
all my soul was ravished!
sweet were her laughter and her voice;
but her two blue eyes, i see it now,
have taken my strength and my life!
i grow pale and fall into a languor:
two beautiful eyes have wounded my heart.
alas! the thing is quite certain,
if jane rejects my vow,
from those two eyes of such a beautiful blue
i shall have drawn my approaching death!
i grow pale and fall into a languor:
two beautiful eyes have wounded my heart.
leconte de lisle
(scottish songs)
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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 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