Félicien Rops, Nude, La Clef Des Champs (The Key to the Fields), 1880s, Etching

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Etching and drypoint on laid paper with watermark. Monogrammed in the plate. Not numbered, as issued. Image dimension: 19x13 cm. … Read more Etching and drypoint on laid paper with watermark. Monogrammed in the plate. Not numbered, as issued. Image dimension: 19x13 cm. Ref. Exsteems 788; Ramiro 155 An exceptional example of Félicien Rops’ mastery of visual allegory and biting social parody, La Clef des Champs is an important piece from his acclaimed series of fin-de-siècle graphic fantasies. The French phrase "prendre la clef des champs" is an idiom meaning to escape to freedom or break away from constraints, which Rops interprets with brilliant, surrealist irony. An exceptionally crisp, early impression showcasing clean lines and excellent structural clarity in the delicate cross-hatching of the butterfly wings. The rectangular plate line is deeply indented, sharp, and uniformly square. The sheet shows visible, minor historic foxing spots and slight mat browning along the outer margins, entirely consistent with its age, without any tears, creases, or surface skinning to the main image area. 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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