Edouard Detaille (1849-1912) Drawing, Etching and Illustrated Letter C.1875

Description

Rare original drawing, illustrated letter and etching by French artist Edouard Detaille (1849-1912).

This original sketch is signed and dated … more Rare original drawing, illustrated letter and etching by French artist Edouard Detaille (1849-1912).

This original sketch is signed and dated lower right c.1875.

The original etching, one a trial proof, showing only half the face exposed. This first etching did not suit him. He turned the plate, and re-etched his image - the result showing two faces, one upside-down. This is printed on Japan paper. The drawing is titled "The Cuirassier".

This is an extremely rare offering of works by Detaille. Sketch and etching dimensions 6" x 9" each. Illustrated letter dimensions 4" x 6 1/2". Beautifully matted together. Comes unframed. Very good condition.

Jean-Baptiste-Detaille was a master of French military painters. Detaille was born in Picardy into a prosperous family with a military background. His father set him up with Ernest Meissonier who showed him finesse of execution and an appreciation for precise observation. Detaille obtained a staff position, at the start of the Franco-Prussian War (1870) which would provide him with an indelible experience to observe the hostilities of war first hand. This experience proved to be the mainstay of his artistic output over his lifetime. less