Self-portrait as Christ 1895
Louis Legrand
* 1863 in Dijon † 1951 in Livry-Gargan
Etching and aquatint. Size of sheet: 61.8 x 39 cm.
Signed in pencil and titled in pen lower right. Proof impression before the edition of 100 and signature stamp.
Literature: Arwas 98 (III of IV).
Very fine impression with signs of proofing with large margins.
£ 3500.-
The image itself, a depiction of the artist as Christ is most unusual, and even more so as it stands in strong contrast to the recurring theme of urban nightlife and cabaret usually favoured by Legrand. Legrand, an underrated printmaker and artist, has been frequently compared to Edgar Degas, especially in regards to his best-known images of ballet dancers.
In our print, Legrand demonstrates a methamorphosic approach that is in keeping with the thinking of French literature and art of the Fin de Siecle, and reminds particularly of the artist Gustave Moreau and the American writer Edgar Allen Poe who was highly influential on the arts in France.
Condition report is available on request.