“Les Moins Chantant l’Office: An Insight into Jean-Jacques de Boissieu’s Mastery”
“Les Moins Chantant l’Office,” an exquisite 18th-century drypoint etching on paper by the eminent French artist, Jean-Jacques de Boissieu, dated 1795. This piece is carefully printed on thin-laid paper, with wide margins up to the plate mark, and is authenticated with its date of creation. As an epitome of Jean-Jacques de Boissieu’s expertise in the realm of 18th-century figurative art, it offers an early and robust impression, maintained in impeccable condition. A distinguishing feature is the French government stamp found on the verso.
Provenance
This exceptional artwork was procured from an esteemed estate sale in Newport, Rhode IslandFor preservation, the artwork is securely housed within an architectural flat file drawer, ensuring its pristine surface remains untouched in a controlled, smoke-free environment. To guarantee the safety of the piece, we utilize tissue or plastic sleeves and deliver flat. We adhere to strict quality controls, abstaining from listing pieces with visible surface imperfections or damages outside the margins unless explicitly noted for certain rare prints.
A Glimpse into the Life of Jean-Jacques de Boissieu
Jean-Jacques de Boissieu, largely an autodidact, embarked on expansive European tours before anchoring himself in his hometown of Lyons. His voyages saw him gravitating towards the allure of figurative and landscape art, often capturing the essence of his surroundings through diligent outdoor sketches, as well as dedicated museum studies. Due to a delicate constitution and sensitivity to the pungent aroma of turpentine essential for oil paintings, Boissieu channeled his passion into engravings, complemented by detailed ink and wash drawings.
Post his early sojourns in Paris, 1764 marked his return to Lyon, a city he chose to call home for life. His exemplary work was acknowledged in 1780 when he was inducted into the Academy of Lyon. Throughout his life, Boissieu’s artistry garnered immense admiration, leading to his studio becoming a must-visit for fellow artists and renowned figures passing through Lyons. The 19th century heralded a broader dissemination of his prints, further elevating his status and serving as an influential benchmark for European printmakers, including stalwarts like Félix Bracquemond and Félix Vallotton.
Boissieu’s artistic compass invariably pointed towards the illustrious Dutch maestros of the 17th century, drawing profound inspiration from luminaries like van de Velde, Ostade, Ruisdael, and Berchem. His latter life, spanning three decades, was primarily devoted to the intricate art of etching. His extensive portfolio comprises approximately 100 graphic works and 40 etching plates. Many of these masterpieces are punctuated with his signature ‘D.B.’ monogram, a hallmark of authenticity, exemplified by “Friars Chanting”—one of de Boissieu’s most monumental creations. [Reference: Getty]
Esteemed Museum Holdings:
- National Gallery of Art, DC
- Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art, CA
- Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
- Stadel Museum, Frankfurt
View artworks by Jean-Jacques de Boissieu.