Jules Joseph Lefebvre

Jules Lefebvre was apprenticed to Léon Cogniet and went on to study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He first exhibited his work at the Paris Salon in 1855 and won the coveted Prix de Rome in 1861. Lefebvre was a celebrated painter in his time, his nude paintings and idealised, erotically tinged depictions of women proving highly popular with the public. In later years he concentrated for the most part on portrait painting, especially portraits of women which are notable for their technical brilliance. From 1870 on, Lefebvre was an influential teacher at the Académie Julian in Paris, counting Childe Hassam, Fernand Khnopff and the painter, Elizabeth Jane Gardner Bouguereau, among his pupils.

The present, very sensitively observed portrait of a young girl highlights a more intimate aspect of his talent. It has been executed using a refined, almost Impressionist-like etching technique. The striking effects achieved by the drypoint give the delicate flowing contours of the etching an astounding visual impact. The finely moulded girl’s face stands out starkly against the tonal background. This rare sheet is distinguished by its superlative technical refinement and impressive sense of aesthetics. A very fine, nuanced impression with the full margins. Minor ageing, otherwise in excellent condition.

5.400 €