Architecture, Garden Buildings, Jean Boussard, Antique Prints, Paris, 1881

Jean Boussard (b. 1844) (artist and etcher)
Lemercier et Cie. (printer)
Studies of Garden Buildings
from Constructions et Decorations Pour Jardins
[Constructions and Decorations for Gardens]
Ve. A. Morel et Cie., Paris: 1881
Hand-colored etchings
13 x 10 inches average approximate plate mark
17 x 12.25 inches each overall
$3,000, set of 6 ($500 each, sold as a set)

Architectural studies for garden buildings to be erected in the extended landscape of a large French country house. Each is shown in its natural setting, and with a small inset architectural cross-section. The studies come from a set of 50 plates engraved by Jean Boussard. While some of the structures depicted in this series were actually built with their locations noted on the print, others were more likely imaginative flights of fancy. The designs are often unusual in shape and conception of the building, blending the practical with a bit of whimsy. and inventiveness.  The title of each indicates the name and purpose of the structure and often includes the name of the architect. Overall the series of French Victorian buildings include kiosks, greenhouses, orangeries (greenhouses where the wealthy wintered their citrus trees in Northern European climates), aviaries (live bird enclosures), rustic twig-and-branch buildings, and buildings to house animals.

The offered 6 in a set are as follows: Salle de Bains Dans un Jardin; Portique et Orangerie; Grotto Vertical; Bains de Vapeur; Atelier de Peintre; Abris et Voliere Pour Petits Oiseaux. Translated the titles indicate the type of structures:  Garden Bathing Room; Portico and Orangery, Grotto Vertical Cave; Steam Bath; Painter’s Workshop; Shelter and Aviary for Little Birds. We also have another entry on our website for 6 garden bird aviaries from the same series.

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