Lot 176
Nicolas de Launay (French, 1739-1792) after Nicolas Lavreince (called Nicolas Laureince, Swedish, 1737-1807). "Le Billet Doux" engraving, later issue of 1785 original, likely 19th century. A charming depiction of a pre-revolutionary Parisian aristocracy genre scene by Nicolas de Launay after a gouache by Nicolas Lavreince. "Le Billet Doux" (The Love Letter) features a young man slyly delivering a love letter to his lady friend while cleverly distracting her chaperone in a lavishly decorated Louis XVI interior. The engraving is mounted in an elaborately carved gold tone wooden frame with festoons of roses adorning the corners, a running leaf motive around the peripheries as well as an egg and dart inner moulding. Size (sight view): 13.625" L x 9.5" W (34.6 cm x 24.1 cm) Size (frame): 15" L x 11" W (38.1 cm x 27.9 cm)
Another "Le Billet Doux" is listed by Donald A. Heald who offers the following description, "A perfectly dressed, handsome young man suavely hands off a love letter to his perfectly dressed young sweetheart while he distracts the older woman: mother or aunt who chaperones. It is a wonderful moment that speaks volumes about aristocratic life prior to the revolution. What seems at first a charming and witty deceit also implies a world in which the pursuit of pleasure has become a way of life. In any event, the amorous back-hand takes place in a setting of utmost refinement: the room is a magnificent example of a Louis XVI interior with its massive mirror, elaborate moldings, carvings and furnishings, a harp, inlaid piano and cello. The characters are dressed to a degree, for a musical afternoon, that defies belief by modern standards: the lover who reaches awkwardly to get her precious missive is especially grand, with flowers and feathers in her hair, a dress festooned with garlands of artificial flowers, and rose-topped pointed silk shoes. Everyone exudes elegance and refinement in clothing, manner and gesture. All in all, a superb revelation of a long ago world, perfectly engraved by de Launay from Lavreince's incisive painting." (Donald A. Heald Rare Books, Prints & Maps website)
Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#176292
- Condition: Engraving is mounted in an antique frame behind glass. Artwork has not been examined outside the frame but appears to present with normal toning and a tear that runs from the upper margin to about a 1/2 inch into the image, but it does not impact the central imagery, albeit not impacting the central imagery. One can see some remains of hand coloring and imagery is vivid. The frame has a few chips and abrasions to the peripheries and craquelure as shown.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |