Félicien Rops, Nude, Erotic, 1880s, Etching

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Etching and drypoint on paper. Image dimension: 13x9 cm. Not signed nor numbered, as issued. Condition: a well-inked, clear impression … Read more Etching and drypoint on paper. Image dimension: 13x9 cm. Not signed nor numbered, as issued. Condition: a well-inked, clear impression showcasing the excellent graphic structure of the etching lines. The fine cross-hatching across the surface of the palette and the delicate details of the pubic hair remain perfectly crisp. The rectangular plate line is deep and uniformly indented. Ref. Exsteens 732; mascha 609; ramiro 142 a major, iconic example of félicien rops’ sharp satirical wit and anti-academic subversion, la peinture érotique functions as a brilliant parody of the traditional attributes of classical art. A close friend of the poet charles baudelaire, rops established himself in paris as the premier graphic artist of the decadent movement, consistently using carnal themes to puncture bourgeois and religious hypocrisy. The composition centers around a phallic distortion of an artist's tools. An artist's wooden palette, complete with a bundle of fine paintbrushes tucked through the thumbhole, is literally transpierced by a large phallus in full erection. Levitating directly above this central motif is a classic laurel wreath—the ultimate traditional symbol of academic glory and artistic honor. The apex of the composition is dominated by the eye of providence (the eye of god) framed within a radiant triangle, emitting intense rays of divine light. Rops immediately defuses the religious weight of this symbol by weaving a winding banner across the sky with the mocking, handwritten cursive caption: "je te vois petit polisson !" ("i see you, you little rascal!") this piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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