236 - A. BOREL (1743–1810), Cécile’s Death, Aquatint

A. BOREL (1743–1810), Cécile’s Death, Aquatint Antoine Borel (1743, Paris – after 1810): Cécile’s Death: As she lies dying, Cécile collapses in front of her father in an elegant room, 18th century, aquatint Technique: Aquatint on paper Print Quality: A slightly grayish but clearly defined print. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “ABorel inv. excudit.” At the lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: “Cécile tombe sur le sein de son malheureux Pere........ et c'en est fait....... elle expire!.......". Date: 18th century Description: Within an ornate frame, a dramatic scene unfolds in an interior: a young woman slumps lifelessly into the arms of a seated elderly man, while three accompanying figures react with alarm. A curtain, wall panels, and a medallion painting characterize this elegant room. The lines of sight converge on the dying woman. Delicate lines, soft hatching, and graduated shades of gray give form to the robes, faces, and sense of depth; the group of figures and the dark background are clearly contrasted. Source: Arnaud Berquin (1747–1791) Œuvres complètes de Berquin, ca. 1800 | Book, Genre, Politics, Fashion Keywords: Death scene; Interior; Family; Father; Young woman; Fainting; Death; Supporting figures; Emotion; Drapery; Medallion; Chair; Ornate frame; French text; Printed artwork; Sentimentality; Interior; Group of figures; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 27.7 cm x 18.1 cm (10.9 x 7.1 in), Plate: 20.1 cm x 13.5 cm (7.9 x 5.3 in), Depiction: 15.2 cm x 10.0 cm (6 x 3.9 in) Condition: Good condition. The sheet is generally discolored, showing significant signs of aging and discoloration at the edges, with a few small spots here and there; the margin is slightly irregular and worn, particularly at the bottom; the plate mark is visible.