Caricature, Law Clerk, Vernet, Debucourt, French Antique Print, early 19th C.

Carle Vernet (1758-1836) (after)
Philibert-Louis Debucourt (1755-1832) (engraver)
La Toilette d’un Clerc Procureur
Paris: Early 19th Century
Color printed aquatint
15 x 11 inches, sheet
12.75 x 9 inches, overall
$350

A law clerk is having his hair powdered by a servant, according to the fashion of the time. He protects his face with a long cone-shaped mask, making him look like a ridiculous bird, and his cat has retreated to the rafters to avoid the cloud of dust.

Vernet and Debucourt were both French painters and printmakers. Vernet was awarded the Prix de Rome in 1782 and was approved by the Académie Royale in 1789. He was known for wittily malicious satires and insightful observations of contemporary manners. He produced numerous aquatints and lithographs. His works are in museums such as New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Debucourt was also approved by the Académie Royale and exhibited his paintings in numerous Salons. He drew inspiration from the Flemish style for his paintings of French peasant life.

Condition: Generally very good with the usual light wear, toning, soiling, soft creases, scattered foxing especially in margins.