Les Badines - Mme Helleu holding the Fire Tongs. by Paul Helleu, 1859-1927

Paul Helleu, 1859-1927
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Les Badines - Mme Helleu holding the Fire Tongs.

Original drypoint in black ink. c.1895. Signed in pencil. Numbered '3' in pencil lower right sheet corner. From the very small edition. (Edition of c.10 impressions according to an inscription by Helleu seen on another impression of this print). Rare.
Ref: Montesquiou - Paul Helleu no 51.

Excellent impression with fine delicate ink tone and rich tonal burr on the drypoint shading. On pale cream laid Van Gelder paper. Excellent condition; the faintest trace of time discoloration in the outer margins only. Wide margins. Sheet: (17 ½ x 12 3/8ins) 445x315mm. Plate: 11 x 9 1/4ins (278x234mm)

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Some of the most beautiful drypoints that Helleu drew are the quiet intimate studies of his wife and his family. Drawn for his own pleasure and never intended for a public edition these studies show the beauty of his drawing and the sensitivity of his unique handling of drypoint at their most relaxed and natural.

This study of Mme Helleu by the fireplace in their 'salon' is typical of such drypoints. The line has a superb elegance of flowing stroke, the touch varied from a rich highlight - for example in her hair - to the extreme delicacy of the light on her cheeks or the marvellous sensitivity of the line of the hands and fingers. Helleu was the great draughtsman of the 'age of elegance', but this is a totally private not public exposition of his genius.