Antique Master Print-LANDSCAPE-CATTLE-HERDSMAN-FARM-Saint-Non-le Prince-c.1785

The etching depicts a rustic scene where nature and human activity intersect harmoniously. On the left, cattle are being guided by a herdsman. The cattle are partially in the water. To the right, a large, multi-story building with a prominent balcony suggests a farmhouse or a mill, given its proximity to the water. This structure has a sturdy, lived-in appearance, with a sloped path leading up to it and dense foliage surrounding it. The background is a well-composed mixture of open sky, a clump of trees, and another homestead, which adds depth to the landscape. Birds in flight add a dynamic element, contrasting the stillness of the rest of the scene.

Made by Jean Claude Richard, Abbe de Saint-Non after Jean-Baptiste le Prince.

Medium: Etching on hand laid (verge) paper.

Sheet size: 19.5 x 14 cm (7.68 x 5.51 inch). Image size: 19 x 13 cm. (7.48 x 5.12 inch).

Condition: good, given age. Small tear at top, backed. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

LANDSCAPE-RUSTIC-CATTLE-HERDSMAN-FARMHOUSE | PCO-C44-38

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Source: unknown, to be determined.

Reference: B. 5.

Biography engraver: Jean-Claude Richard de Saint-Non (1727-1791) was a French painter and printmaker. He was born, and also died, in Paris. He is often rather misleadingly known as the “Abbe de Saint-Non”; although intended for the church by his family, he never took more than minor orders. He was a pioneer of the aquatint technique in printmaking.

Biography artist: Jean-Baptiste Le Prince (1734-1781) came from Metz and studied with Boucher in Paris. He stayed in St. Petersburg between 1758 and 1763. After returning to France he etched many Russian scenes. Le Prince is also considered to be the inventor of the aquatint technique.