Ferdinand Gaillard, “Horace Vernet”, 1863, after Paul Delaroche

Ferdinand Gaillard (also known as Claude Ferdinand Gaillard) (1834–1887)
“Horace Vernet”, 1863

Technical Details & Condition:

This is an exquisite etching (possibly with engraving) on wove paper, based on a drawing of the renowned artist Horace Vernet (also known as Émile Jean Horace Vernet) (1789–1863). Horace Vernet was the son of the painter Carle Vernet and the grandson of Claude Joseph Vernet. The work was created by Paul Delaroche (also known as Hippolyte Delaroche) (1797–1856). For further context, see https://www.musee-orsay.fr/fr/oeuvres/portrait-dhorace-vernet-dessin-de-paul-delaroche-61521.

This finely executed etching was printed by Chardon aîné (active in the 1850s–1860s) and published in Paris within the art periodical Gazette des Beaux-Arts, on 1 October 1863, spanning pages 320 to 321.

The print is in its final state—state iv (of iv)—after passing through three previous states. The initial state was solely executed in etching; the second featured an incomplete cravat and a half-modelled face possibly with engraving; the third achieved the desired effect with a darker background on the left. The fourth state, as shown here, includes the publication details. It’s worth noting that Beraldi (1887) describes four states, while Jean Adhémar & Jacques Lethève (IFF, 1954) suggest there are two.

The impression is strong, though the inscribed artist’s details are faint. The sheet is in near-pristine condition—free of tears, holes, folds, abrasions, or stains. The image is trimmed within the plate mark, and the sheet has been backed with archival-quality washi paper for support and broad margins.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 25.3 x 17.4 cm

Plate lettering below the image:

• Left: “Gazette des Beaux-Arts”

• Left-of-centre (faint): “Pl Delaroche Del^t”

• Centre: “Horace Vernet”

• Right-of-centre (faint): “F. Galliard sculp^t”

• Right: “Imp. Chardon aîné, 30 r. Hautefeuille Paris.”

References:

• Beraldi 9 (Henri Beraldi, Les Graveurs du Dix-Neuvième Siècle: DORÉ –GAVARD, 1887, vol. VI, Paris, Librairie L. Conquet, p. 198, cat. no. 9) — https://archive.org/details/lesgraveursdu19e06berauoft/page/198/mode/2up
• IFF 24 (Jean Adhémar & Jacques Lethève, Inventaire du Fonds, Français: Graveurs du XVIIe Siècle, 1954, Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale, Département des Estampes, vol. 8, p. 315, cat. no. 24) — https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k5489221t/f327.item

Price & Shipping:

AU$242 (approximately US$162.48 / €138.01 / £120.33), inclusive of worldwide express shipping. Please note that import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this technically outstanding and visually stunning etching by one of the most skilled 19th-century engravers—a true masterwork—please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.