Circle of Luigi Chialiva, “The Little Goose Herder”, early 1900s

Unidentified printmaker from the circle of Luigi Chialiva (1842–1914)

Note that although Chialiva was an innovative artist (for example, I understand that he developed a fixative for pastels [see Mourey 1920, p. 12]), Chialiva is not known to have made etchings (please correct me if I am mistaken). Nevertheless, there are other artists from his circle that reproduced his paintings in etchings, such as Alberto Gilli (aka Alberto Maso Gilli) (1840–1894). Gilli’s manner of etching, however, although very skilful, does not exhibit the same confident looseness of drawing as shown in this print.

“The Little Goose Herder” (aka “Le Petit Gardeur d’Oies"), early 1900s, a proof-state impression before lettering with publication details, after a painting by Luigi Chialiva, executed in the final years of the artist's life (see a reproduction of this painting in an article about the artist by Gabriel Mourey [1920] in the art periodical, “Les Arts; Revue Mensuelle des Musées, Collections, Expositions: 1914–1916”, 1920, vol. 13, p.8 [https://archive.org/details/lesartsrevuemens191416pariuoft/page/n143/mode/2up]). 

Etching with plate tone on buff washi paper with a small margin around the platemark and backed with a support sheet.

Size: (sheet) 32.8 x 24 cm; (plate) 31.7 x 22.8 cm; (image borderline) 28.9 x 21 cm.

Condition: a strong and well-printed (near faultless) impression laid onto a sheet of archival (millennium quality) washi paper in a near pristine condition with no tears, holes, folds, abrasions or stains.

This exceptionally beautiful etching, executed with confidence and insightful detail—note, for example, how the foreground goose has been wiped clean of plate tone to catch a viewer’s attention—is available for AU$283 (approx. US$183.51, EUR 157.83, or GBP 137.02). Global express shipping is included. Import duties, if any, are the buyer's responsibility.

This rare etching captures a young girl's gentle attentiveness to a gaggle of geese, only to be momentarily drawn to a meadow flower. If you'd like to own this evocative piece, please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com for a PayPal invoice.