Henri Charles Guérard

The painter and printmaker, Henri Guérard, was a prominent figure in the art scene of late 19th century Paris. In 1879 he married the painter, Eva Gonzalès, who was one of Édouard Manet’s students. Guérard maintained close friendly ties with like-minded fellow artists such as Félix Bracquemond, Félix Buhot, Jules Chéret and Norbert Goeneutte. His circle of friends in Paris included Manet, Alfred Sisley and James McNeill Whistler. While Guérard enjoyed initial success as a painter in the early 1870s, his paintings later paled in significance compared to his extensive printmaking activities, for which he experimented with a wide range of techniques, such as aquatint, vernis mou, colour and drypoint etching as well as monotype, a field in which he gained considerable expertise.

The present rare trial proof shows Guérard at the height of his artistry. The appeal of this work derives from its Japanese-inspired stylization and the purism of the draughtsmanship – features that are further enhanced by the use of coloured, oriental paper. The artist employs a minimum of means to achieve the maximum atmospheric effect. A superb, harmonious impression, before the reduction in size of the plate, before the use of the roulette and before the inclusion of the architectural backdrop. With the artist’s studio stamp (Lugt 1157). Minor ageing, otherwise in impeccable condition.

EUR 7,500