Jules Léopold Boilly (also known as Julien Boilly) (1796–1874)
“Marche de Nubiens” (March of Nubians), 1850
Technical Details & Condition:
Lithograph in two colours (black and a buff-coloured tone block) printed
on heavy wove paper.
The lithograph is based on a painting by the French Orientalist artist Prosper Marilhat (1811–1847). Printed in Paris
by Bertauts (active 1830s–1880) and published in “L’Artiste”.
The impression is strong, evenly printed, and near faultless. The sheet
is in near-pristine condition, completely free of tears, holes, folds,
abrasions, and stains.
Dimensions:
• Sheet: 27.2 x 35.9 cm
• Image borderline: 22.0 x 27 cm
In-Plate lettering (e):
• Above image: (centre) “L’ARTISTE”
• Below image: (left) “PEINT PAR MARILHAT.”; (centre) “IMP. BERTAUTS, PARIS. / MARCHE
DE NUBIENS”; (right) “LITH. JUL. BOILLY.”
References:
• IFF 40: Jean Laren & Jean Adhémar, “Inventaire du Fonds Français
après 1800: BOCQVIN–BYON”, vol. 3, 1942 (Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale de
France, Département des Estampes), p. 51, cat. no. 40 — Available via
Bibliothèque Nationale de France (Gallica): https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k5488545z/f60.image
• British Museum, museum number 1889,0608.608: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1889-0608-608
Artistic & Visual Analysis:
This marvellous lithograph perfectly exemplifies the 19th-century
European fascination with the exotic, depicting three Nubian men holding spears
while seated atop Dromedary camels as desert sand and dust swirl around them.
Boilly’s mastery of the medium is particularly evident in his
sophisticated treatment of atmospheric perspective. By subtly adjusting both
the tone and focal clarity across the three camels, he brilliantly captures a
shifting depth of field. The closest camel is sharply detailed with deep, rich
tones, while the camels further in the background gradually soften in focus and
lighten in value, evoking the hazy, sun-drenched expanse of the desert.
Price
& Shipping:
AU$228 (approximately US$160.07
/ €142.94 / £119.32), including worldwide express shipping. Any applicable
import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.
To Purchase or Enquire:
Please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com.
I will be delighted to answer any questions or send a PayPal invoice for a
secure, straightforward transaction.
Please note: The scan contrast has been digitally
enhanced to show the print’s fine details more clearly. As a result, the
digital image tones may not fully reflect the subtle tonal qualities of the
physical original.
