Théophile Chauvel, “À Samois près Valvins”, 1874

Théophile Chauvel (aka Théophile Narcisse Chauvel) (1831–1909)

Authorship Discrepancies:

Note that Henri Beraldi (1886), in his catalogue raisonné of Chauvel’s prints, lists this print as by Théophile Chauvel (see p. 148, cat. no. 33). In the lettered and published state of this print, the artist is shown as Théophile Chauvel. The British Museum catalogues this print as by C. Chauvel (1875–1907; active 1882–1907 according to Engen) and describes it as: “Plate 7: landscape with trees against hedgerow(?), shepherdess seen with sheep in a field to the right; from a volume of four years of 'L'Eau-Forte'. c.1875” (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1915-0105-14-38).

“À Samois près Valvins” (In Samois near Valvins), 1874

Commentary on the Title & Subject:

Beraldi (1886) provides an amusing anecdote regarding the title (translated): “Here, it's obvious the reader will raise an objection. Samois, they'll say, is located near the Fontainebleau Forest. Now, it's generally accepted that olive trees don't grow in the Fontainebleau Forest! Answer: This landscape is a view of the area around Montpellier. But a landscape worthy of respect could only have been painted in the Fontainebleau Forest or other such locations, which Montpellier is not. That's why Cadart insisted on naming this print: ‘At Samois near Valvins’.” (p. 148)

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching with drypoint on fine Japanese washi paper, professionally mounted to a secondary support sheet. This is an early proof state before the addition of lettering, in the fifth and final published state by Alfred Cadart’s widow (Vve Cadart), in “L'Eau-Forte en 1875” as plate number 7.

Archive.org provides access to this publication, which features the context of this print and Philippe Burty’s accompanying discussion: https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b8527610g/f23.item.

The impression is strong, crisp, and evenly printed—a faultless artist’s proof. The sheet remains in near-pristine condition, free of tears, holes, folds, abrasions, or significant stains.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 25.4 x 20.2 cm
• Platemark: 22 x 15.8 cm
• Image borderline: 20.4 x 14.8 cm

In-Plate Lettering:

• Lower-left corner: “Ch. Chauvel 74”— interestingly, Beraldi (1886) only records the inscription as “Chauvel 74,” omitting the “Ch.” prefix.

References:

• Beraldi 33 (Henri Beraldi, “Les Graveurs Du Xixe Siecle:  Brascassat–Chéret”, vol. 4, 1886, Paris, Librairie L. Conquet, p. 148, cat. no. 33)
• IFF 28 (Jean Adhémar “Inventaire du Fonds Français après 1800: CABANE–CICÉRI”, vol. 4, 1949, Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Département des Estampes, p. 421, cat. no. 28)
• British Museum: Museum Number 1915,0105.14.38

Price & Shipping:

AU$243 (approx. US$169.01 / €148 / £126.11), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes (if applicable) are the buyer’s responsibility.

To acquire this exceptionally fine proof impression of a poetically beautiful scene—depicting silhouetted trees, a shepherdess, and her flock in the distance—please contact oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless and protected transaction.