Siège de la Société des Aquafortistes

Etching on chine-collé on laid paper. Published by Cadart & Luquet, France, active 1863–67 for their famous eponymous organization, which promoted original etchings (with their blindstamp, lower margin, Lugt 424). Printed by the workshop of Auguste Delâtre, Paris. With letters. Also signed in pencil; we doubt this signature is actually the artist's. It is very likely a apocryphal, if rather believable signature. Two tears, top and bottom margins. The one at the top short; the one at the bottom longer (one inch), but both well outside the platemark. Small oil stain, left margin. Small stain on the verso, not showing through. A beautiful impression which, unlike many prints of this age, has clearly never been cleaned. This is a must-have for any serious etching collector. Provenance: Joel Bergquist.