Ma Goutte - Sujet de Milieu

Felicien Joseph Victor Rops

Extremely rare first state, before Rops added the etched verse, teardrops, and signature at bottom and before the extensive drypoint rework in the subject. Designed to be combined with "Ma Goutte" (Exsteens 319), which consists of a "border" of ten small sketches (remarques) arranged around the four sides of this plate. The final state of the present subject was to be printed on the same sheet as E. 319, or printed separately and then mounted in the blank area in the center (see Los Angeles County Museum of Art M.80.277.55). Barely visible in top margin is inscription on yellow pencil: "Depeche Telegraphique." Ex collection Heinrich Stinnes, his stamp on verso in violet ink (Lugt Suppl. 1376a).

A note on condition: due to the age and nature of this working proof, the paper exhibits acidity throughout, especially around the edges of the platemark, and severe fading of the red crayon annotations that makes it difficult to read. There is old hinging tape on verso upper corners, and a pressed crease running width-wise through the center, evident on the verso. The price reflects these conditions.