Théodule Ribot, “Portrait of Alfred Cadart”, 1864

Théodule Ribot (also known as Augustin Théodule Ribot) (1823–1891)
“Portrait of Alfred Cadart” (or “M. A. Cadart, Fondateur de la Société des Aqua-Fortistes”), 1864

Alfred Cadart (1828–1875) was a renowned printmaker and publisher. Alongside Auguste Delâtre (also known as Auguste Marie Delâtre) (1822–1907), Cadart co-founded the Société des Aqua-Fortistes (Society of Etchers) in 1861, with the aim of revitalising interest in the art of etching, which was then experiencing a period of decline. He also launched the influential art journal “L'Illustration Nouvelle” in 1868.

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching with plate tone on fine laid paper with generously wide margins. It is plate 99, printed by Auguste Delâtre and published by Cadart & Luquet (fl. 1863–1867) in Paris for the Société des Aqua-Fortistes, in the publication “Eaux-Fortes Modernes” (1863–1864), volume 2. The impression is richly inked and well-printed (near faultless). The sheet is in pristine condition—free from tears, holes, folds, abrasions, stains, or signs of handling.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 45.9 x 32.9 cm
• Platemark: 30.7 x 23.8 cm
• Image borderline: 8.7 x 11 cm

Plate Lettering:

• Above the image borderline (right): “99.”
• Within the image borderline (lower left): “t Ribot”
• Below the image borderline (left): “Ribot sculp.”
• Below the image borderline: (centre) “M. A. CADART, / Fondateur de la Société des Aqua-Fortistes. / Paris, Publié par CADART & LUQUET, Editeurs, 79, Rue Richelieu.”
• Below the image borderline: (right) “Imp. Delâtre, Rue St, Jacques, 303, Paris.”

References:

• Gallica [BNF] offers an online view of this print within its publication context: https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b8470013m/f48.item
• The British Museum provides a description of this print prior to lettering: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1872-0113-513

Price & Shipping:

AU$232 (approximately US$155.34 / €143.93 / £115.41), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you wish to acquire a strikingly powerful etched portrait, where the crossed arrangement of vertical and horizontal lines alludes to the artist’s analytical mindset during the “finding” of his subject amidst the dramatic chiaroscuro lighting, please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will be happy to send a PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.

This print has been sold