A circa 1865 reissue by ‘Chalcographie du Louvre’ of an original engraving by Jacques Rigaud (1681? -1754), "Veüe du chateau de Seaux prise du haut de l'Allée de la Diane". Plate 88 from the Palaces, Castles and Royal Houses series (circa 1730). Mention on the right "With the King's privileges" in French. These views of parks, fountains and princely residences commonly known as Les Maisons Royales de France are the most famous in the 18th century. Founded in 1797, the ‘Chalcographie du Louvre’ is responsible for preserving and printing a collection of several thousand engraved plates. Formerly housed in the Louvre Palace, the Réunion des Musées Nationaux (RMN) is responsible for publishing, distributing and marketing prints since its creation in 1895, while the collection remains under the responsibility of the museum. Today it has more than 13,000 engraved plates, and growing.
Work in very good condition, the paper is slightly wavy with foxing, mostly in the margins of the image (see photos). Dry seal: CALCOGRAPHIE / DU LOUVRE / MUSÉES / IMPERIAUX (bottom centre).
Born in Marseille at the end of the 17th century, Jacques Rigaud was working as an engraver in Paris in 1720. Ten years later, he began the work to which he devoted himself all his life and which his nephew Jean-Baptiste would complete: Les Maisons Royales de France (121 plates acquired by the ‘Chalcographie du Louvre’ between 1848 and 1852). His views of Paris and the royal houses continue the topographical work and architectural surveys begun by Israël Sylvestre and commissioned by Louis XIV for his Cabinet.
Source: Ateliers d’art des Musées Nationaux - la Chalcographie du Louvre.
Artist: Jacques Rigaud (1681?-1754).
Medium: Copper etching.
Condition: Very good condition.
Dimensions (plate): 22 x 44 cm. / 9 ¾ x 17 ½ in.
Dimensions (view): 33 x 54 cm. / 13 x 21 ¼ in.
Frame: 54 x 72,5 cm. / 21 ¼ x 28 ½ in.
Origin: France.
