Charles Jacque (also known as
Charles Émile Jacque) (1813–1894)
“Portrait of Jules-Joseph Guiffrey” (or,
as titled by Henri Beraldi, “Portrait de M. Guiffrey”), 1866
Historical Context & Significance:
This rare and powerful portrait captures the young
Jules-Joseph Guiffrey (1840–1918), a brilliant archivist, art historian, and
future director of the Manufacture des Gobelins. In 1866, Guiffrey
published the definitive catalogue raisonné of Charles Jacque's graphic works.
To commemorate the achievement, Jacque etched this striking portrait to serve
as a frontispiece.
Because it was completed alongside the book's
publication, it was omitted from Guiffrey's initial self-compiled checklist.
Its rarity was later recognised by legendary print scholar Henri Beraldi, who
designated it as the introductory piece (Cat. No. 421) in his 1889 supplemental
catalogue extension.
Technical Details & Condition:
Etching with plate tone on heavy laid Hallines paper.
This is an early proof impression before lettering with exceptionally wide
margins. In the later lettered state of this print, the name of Auguste
Delâtre (1822–1907) is inscribed as the printer (see Rijksmuseum Object
Number RP-P-1898-A-20875 for a description of the lettered state).
This is a strong and faultless (museum quality)
impression in a near pristine condition—free of tears, holes, folds,
significant stains, or handling marks.
Dimensions:
• Sheet: 47.7 x 30.5 cm
• Platemark: 14.2 x 10.3 cm
• Image borderline: 8.9 x 7 cm
In-Plate lettering:
• Upper-right corner: “Ch. J.”
• Lower-left corner: “1866”
References:
• Beraldi 421 (Henri Beraldi,
“Les Graveurs du Dix-Neuvième Siècle: GUÉRIN–LACOSTE,” vol. VIII, 1889, Paris,
Librairie L. Conquet, p. 180, cat. no. 421)
• IFF 316 (Jean Adhémar & Jacques Lethève, “Inventaire du Fonds Français
après 1800: HUMBLOT–JYG,” vol. 11, 1960, Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale de
France, p. 116, cat. no. 316) — Available via Bibliothèque Nationale de France
(Gallica): https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k5489301d/f128.item
• Rijksmuseum: Object Number RP-P-1898-A-20875 — https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200208580
Price & Shipping:
AU$274 (approximately US$196.58 / €168.34 / £144.04,
subject to daily exchange rates). Price includes worldwide express shipping.
Please note that destination import duties and local taxes remain the sole
responsibility of the buyer.
If you’re interested in acquiring this rare portrait
of the author of the seminal catalogue of Jacque’s prints—surprisingly, the British
Museum does not hold a copy of this historically important print in its online
repository—please contact me directly at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I will gladly
provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.
