Henri Boutet, Darling, 1882, Etching

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Etching and drypoint on laid paper. Not signed. An elegant original etching with drypoint by the celebrated French printmaker Henri … Read more Etching and drypoint on laid paper. Not signed. An elegant original etching with drypoint by the celebrated French printmaker Henri Boutet, titled Darling, executed in July 1882 and published as part of the artist's celebrated series Types de Parisiennes. The composition presents the bust-length portrait of a young Parisian woman wearing an expansive feathered hat and an oversized silk bow, her direct yet contemplative gaze capturing the refined elegance and quiet sophistication associated with the fashionable women of Belle Époque Paris. Rendered with remarkable technical finesse, the print exemplifies Boutet's mastery of intimate portraiture. The delicate network of etched lines is enriched by the velvety burr of drypoint, particularly visible in the broad shadow cast by the hat and in the richly modelled bow. This subtle interplay of crisp linearity and soft tonal effects lends the sitter an extraordinary sense of immediacy and psychological presence. The restrained composition, devoid of distracting background elements, focuses entirely on the expression and refined costume, revealing Boutet's exceptional ability to combine academic draughtsmanship with the elegance of modern French printmaking. Good overall condition with a crisp, well-defined impression displaying rich drypoint burr and delicate etched lines. Minor age-related toning, light foxing, and handling wear confined primarily to the margins, consistent with age. The image remains clean, strong, and visually impressive 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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