Charles Jacque, “Tir à la Bécasse”, 1864

Charles Jacque (also known as Charles Émile Jacque) (1813–1894)

“Tir à la Bécasse” (Woodcock Shooting), 1864

Description:

J.-J. Guiffrey (1866), in his catalogue raisonné of Charles Jacque’s etchings and drypoints, describes this print (in translation): “Beneath a tall canopy, a hunter, one knee resting on a large moss-covered stone, takes aim at two woodcocks that take flight. The left side is occupied by two large tree trunks; one entirely covered in ivy and vegetation. A dense thicket of tall trees fills the background.” (p. 89)

This scene captures a suspended moment of tension at the critical dramatic instant when a hunter aims his gun at woodcocks flying for cover amidst a lush woodland setting. It not only exemplifies Jacque’s confidence and ease with the etching needle but also showcases his keen observation of nature.

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching with dot-roulette on heavy, watermarked laid paper with wide margins. This is a rare first-state impression, prior to any lettering or publication marks. It is the first plate in a series of twenty-four executed in 1864 and distributed between 1864–1865 (Collection published in 1864, Guiffrey 177–201).

In the later published state of this etching, the inscribed details identify Sarazin (also known as Sarasin, active circa 1846–1880) as the printer.

Note: The British Museum holds an impression of the later, lettered state under: Museum Number 1865,0429.148 (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1865-0429-148).

This impression is richly inked and well-printed, serving as an artist’s proof. It remains in near-pristine, museum-quality condition—entirely free of tears, holes, folds, stains, or handling marks.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 36.4 x 24.2 cm
• Platemark: 17.0 x 10.7 cm
• Image borderline: 15.6 x 9.9 cm

References:

• Guiffrey 177 (J.-J. Guiffrey, “L’Oeuvre de Ch. Jacque: Catalogue de ses Eaux-Fortes et Pointes Sèches,” 1866, Paris, Lemaire, p. 89, cat. no. 177 [Premier état])
• IFF 280 (Jean Adhémar & Jacques Lethève, “Inventaire du Fonds Français après 1800: HUMBLOT–JYG,” vol. 11, 1960, Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale de France, p. 114, cat. no. 280)— Available via Bibliothèque Nationale de France (Gallica): https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k5489301d/f126.item  

Price & Shipping:

AU$274 (approximately US$190.42 / €166.96 / £143.17), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes (if any) are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you’re interested in acquiring this remarkable etching—where the fine white line of the hunter’s rifle, tilted toward the two flying woodcocks, becomes the dramatic focal point—please contact me directly at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will gladly provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.

This print has been sold