239 - A. BOREL (1743–1810), A Reunion at the Salon, Aquatint

A. BOREL (1743–1810), A Reunion at the Salon, Aquatint Antoine Borel (1743, Paris – after 1810): Reunion in the Salon: A sentimental reunion scene set in an elegant interior, with a French signature, 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. del.” At the lower part, inscribed in the printing plate: “Quel moment! .... quel bonheur après un an d’absence. / Tom. 3, Pag. 388.” Date: 18th century Description: Set within an ornate frame, the sheet depicts a courtly interior scene. A seated woman receives a kneeling man who is nestling close to her; on the right, a second woman embraces a gentleman who is entering the room. Two further figures observe the encounter. Furniture, a bust, and an open door create a sense of depth in the room. Delicate lines, dense hatching, and graduated shades of gray render the fabrics, faces, and architecture. The gestures emphasize reunion, affection, and intense emotion. Source: Arnaud Berquin (1747–1791) Œuvres complètes de Berquin, ca. 1800 | Book, Genre, Politics, Fashion Keywords: Interior; Reunion; Embrace; kneeling man; seated woman; courtly society; salon; sentimentality; bust; harp; doorway; figures arranged in tiers; print; cartouche; floral frame; French text; depiction of emotion; Rococo interior; 18th century; Classicism; Genre; France; Size: Paper: 27.7 cm x 17.7 cm (10.9 x 7 in), Plate: 20.3 cm x 13.4 cm (8 x 5.3 in), Image: 15.0 cm x 10.0 cm (5.9 x 3.9 in) Condition: In rather good condition. A distinctly tanned sheet with an irregular, partly wavy margin; scattered stains and signs of age, slight creases and pressure marks along the margin, the plate mark visible. A small grease stain on the left margin of the sheet; a small hole in the lower left corner.