Illusion 1920 - 1940

LOUIS ICART

Paper
74 ⨯ 46 cm
ConditionExcellent
€ 7.950

Antiques Emporium

• About the artwork
  Highly refined Art Deco print Illusions by Louis Icart (1888–1950), executed as an etching with aquatint and subtly hand-coloured.
  
  The composition depicts an elegant, sensual female figure in a strongly stylised, almost floating pose against a deep, dark background. The elongated silhouette, the soft modelling of the body and the dreamy, slightly theatrical atmosphere are characteristic of Icart’s mature style. The composition deliberately plays with seduction, imagination and illusion, fully in keeping with the title Illusions.
  
  The work is signed in pencil by the artist in the lower right and numbered in the lower left (46).
  In addition, the print is signed in the plate in the upper left with the inscription: “Copyright 1940 L. Icart – N.Y.”
  
  In the lower left corner a blind stamp is present, consisting of an L, a windmill, an I, and below this the word Paris.
  
  The paper is beautifully white in colour and is in a very fresh and well-preserved condition.
  
  The print is professionally framed with a mount and behind museum glass, ensuring optimal conservation and a high-quality presentation.
  
  Technique
  Etching and aquatint, hand-coloured.
  
  Date
  Circa 1940.
  
  Details:
  Original pencil signature, lower right
  Signed in the plate, upper left: Copyright 1940 L. Icart – N.Y.
  Hand-coloured example
  Numbered edition (46)
  Fresh, beautifully white paper
  Framed with a mount and behind museum glass
  
  Brief commentary:
  Illusions belongs to the characteristic female figure compositions through which Louis Icart reached an international audience and represents a highly representative example of the luxurious, refined and exceptionally elegant character of Parisian Art Deco printmaking of the interwar period.
  
  Dimensions:
  
  Visible image:
  Height: 53cm
  Width: 26cm
  
  Frame:
  Height: 73,7cm
  Width: 45,8cm
• About the artist

  Louis Icart (Louis Icart, 1888-1950) - French painter, draftsman, engraver and illustrator, author of numerous works of glamorous content.

  Icart's style of painting was based on the French masters of the 18th century, such as Jean-Antoine Watteau, François Boucher and Jean-Honoré Fragonard. His drawings were influenced by Edgar Degas and Claude Monet; his rare watercolors bore features of the symbolists Odilon Redon and Gustave Moreau. Many of his early atmospheric paintings are in shades of brown, gold, and red; however, his pictures became brighter during his career.

  Icart's depictions of women were mostly sensual, often erotic, but also always humorous and full of hinted or direct sexuality. In his pictures, beautiful courtesans frolicked on thick pillows with facial expressions full of passion, dismay or surprise. Horses, dogs or cats were often part of his subjects.

  Icart made over 500 engravings and illustrated more than 30 books. Icart died in his Parisian house in 1950.

Are you interested in buying this artwork?