Louis Orr, “Hotel de Sens”, 1919

Louis Orr (1879–1966)

“Hotel de Sens”, 1919

About the Subject:

This large and finely executed etching shows a dramatic street-level view looking down the Rue du Figuier beside the Hôtel de Sens in Paris. The building is of immense architectural importance, being one of only two remaining examples of a grand 15th-century private palace in the city. Originally constructed as the residence for the Archbishop of Sens, it embodies the historic spirit of old Paris. Louis Orr’s rendering captures the rugged texture of its stone façade and the striking projection of its turret into the alleyway, evoking a sense of the building’s storied past. This atmospheric quality is further enhanced by his inclusion of local figures in period dress, going about their daily lives.

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching with rich plate tone on heavy wove paper with wide margins as issued. Published in Paris by the Chalcographie du Louvre and bearing the publisher’s official dry stamp (blind stamp) at lower centre.

This is an exceptionally strong and crisp impression—near faultless—displaying beautiful and nuanced tonal contrast. Aside from a small closed tear at the upper edge of the sheet, the sheet is in excellent condition—completely free of holes, folds, abrasions, foxing, or stains.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 63 x 44.5 cm
• Platemark: 51.5 x 31.8 cm
• Image borderline: 46.8 x 30.4 cm

Plate Lettering:

• Within image (lower-left edge): “Louis Orr Paris 1919”
• Below the image (left): “[scratched signature] Louis Orr”
• Below the image (centre): “HOTEL * DE * SENS / Eau=forte Originale par Louis Orr / CHALCOGRAPHIE DU LOUVRE”

References:

•  Louvre Reference: No. 6690, (P.-J. Angoulvent, “La Chalcographie du Louvre – Catalogue Général”, 1933, Musée National du Louvre, p. 448, no. 6690)
• Permanent collection of the Art Museum of the National University of Colombia (UNAL), Pizano Collection, inv. no. 1084.

Price & Shipping:

AU$282 (approximately US$199.45 / €171.98 / £148.68), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes (if any) are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you’re interested in this large and dramatically imposing view of the late-medieval Hôtel de Sens, please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I’ll gladly provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.