237 - A. BOREL (1743–1810), A Chaotic Scene in a Church, Aquatint

A. BOREL (1743–1810), A Chaotic Scene in a Church, Aquatint Antoine Borel (1743, Paris – after 1810): A chaotic scene in a church: A clergyman collapses in front of worshippers inside the church, 18th century, aquatint Technique: Aquatint on paper Print Quality: An absolutely superb, harmonious print, with delicate, clear lines and nuanced shades of gray. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the lower left: “ABorel inv. et sculp.” At the lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: “Ô mon maître! ô mon ami! ...... / Tom. 3 / Pag. 350.” Date: 18th century Description: Set within a richly ornamented frame, the print depicts a dramatic interior scene featuring several figures gathered around a clergyman or monk who is collapsing. Women and children are kneeling in the foreground, while other worshippers stand on the right. A crucifix and a mural depicting a floating figure highlight the religious context. Tall windows divide the space. Delicate outlines, dense hatching, and graduated shades of gray give form to robes, faces, and architecture; diagonal lines heighten the sense of excitement. Source: Arnaud Berquin (1747–1791), Œuvres complètes de Berquin, ca. 1800 | Book, Genre, Politics, Fashion Keywords: religious scene; interior; clergyman; monk; crucifix; people at prayer; women; children; church interior; fainting; vision; devotion; group; architecture; book illustration; ornamental frame; French text; print; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 26.8 cm x 18.3 cm (10.6 x 7.2 in), Plate: 20.2 cm x 13.5 cm (8 x 5.3 in), Depiction: 15.2 cm x 10.2 cm (6 x 4 in) Condition: In fairly good condition. The larger sheet shows clear signs of aging, with browned margins, scattered stains, and slight imperfections along the margins; the bottom margin is irregular, and the sheet is slightly wavy overall.