Caption

Le Magicien, Le Prince, Jean-Baptiste (1734–1781), graphic artist. Title: 'Le Magicien'. Engraving made in etching technique with a background fragmentarily etched with aquatint; composition completed with thin stylus/dry needle. The name 'Le Magicien' given by Hédou. Another example of this composition shows a different state of matrix development — printed on creamy, medium-weight paper; appears to be a commercial print. The present example appears to be a test/proof print. Both prints share the same etched composition and degree of needlework, but the commercial print is printed from a matrix wiped of excess ink. The proof/dense state was supplemented with dry engraving; aquatint was added and toned with a tampon in the shadow at the bottom; part of the hatching was later removed from the matrix with a needle and smoothing stone. This print is State 1, the other is State 2 (according to available copies). Date: 1768, Paris, France. Medium: graphic print. Dimensions: height 11.8 cm, width 8.2 cm.

Credit line

Photo12/Liszt Collection

Reference

LZT26A39_472

License type

Rights managed

Available size

73.3Mb (13.0Mb) / 14.2in x 20.0in / 4272 x 6000 (300dpi)

Keywords

Le Magicien Le Prince Jean-Baptiste 1734–1781 graphic artist Title Engraving etching technique background fragmentarily etched aquatint composition completed thin stylus dry needle name given Hédou Another example composition different state matrix development printed creamy medium-weight paper commercial print present example test proof print prints share etched composition degree needlework matrix wiped excess ink proof dense state was supplemented dry engraving added toned tampon shadow bottom part hatching later removed matrix needle smoothing stone print State 1 State 2 according available copies Date 1768 Paris France Medium graphic print Dimensions height 11.8 cm width 8.2 cm etching shades black gray off-white bearded man wearing decorative outfit plumed headdress standing beside draped table open book covered chair man’s hand rests book hand touches chair faint figure sits background right scene framed rectangular border features crosshatched shading textured lines areas dense dark contrasting lighter sketchy marks.