41 / 120
271
●
CAMILLE PISSARRO
Paysanne portant des seaux
.
Drypoint and aquatint printed in black on cream laid paper, 1889. 149x110 mm; 6x4
3
/
8
inches, full margins. Fifth state (of 7). One of only 2 known impressions in this state, there
were approximately only 20 lifetime impressions in all seven states combined. Signed,
titled and inscribed “5e état no. 1” and “imp. par C.P.” in pencil, lower margin.A brilliant,
richly-inked, proof-like impression with finger prints in the margin and crisp plate edges.
We have found only 4 other lifetime impressions at auction in the past 30 years.
This impression was printed by the artist and indicated by him as such with the
inscription, “imp. par C.P.” According to Shapiro, “It is known that Pissarro made every
effort to print his own etching plates, even going so far as to note on certain impressions,
‘imp. par C.P.’ (printed by C.P.)”
Pissarro added the aquatint tone to the plate in the third state of this print, and honed its
appearance in the fourth and fifth states, bringing together a harmonious balance of light
and shadows, with the warm glow of sunlight falling across the scene from the upper left,
in this small Impressionist masterpiece. In the sixth and seventh states he touched up the
foliage in the background with additional drypoint. Delteil 85.
[10,000/15,000]