This delicate composition, titled "Le Bouquet de Violettes", is a masterful original aquatint engraving created in 1903 by the French artist Manuel Robbe (1872–1936). A refined example of the Belle Époque aesthetic, this work captures a moment of quiet femininity and introspection, rendered with the subtle texture and color for which Robbe was renowned.
In this intimate interior scene, a young woman in an elegant white gown gently presses a small bouquet of violets to her chest. The soft light, the luxurious drapery, and the faintly decadent furnishings set a mood of poetic nostalgia. Robbe uses aquatint—a technique he mastered with exceptional finesse—to achieve soft tonal transitions, while touches of color add vibrancy to the scene, especially in the violet flowers.
Known for depicting scenes of modern Parisian life, Robbe often celebrated the private, contemplative moments of women—always with grace and humanity. His style merged Impressionist sensibilities with the decorative precision of printmaking, resulting in timeless, emotionally resonant images like this one.
Aquatint
Woman
Hand-signed by the artist - 45 x 29.5 cm
Good condition
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