This is an original etching by Barbizon artist Charles Emile Jacque. The title is: Le Chemin de Halage, (The Towing Path) created and printed in 1864. This image is plate signed by the artist Jacque and also signed by the printer Sarazin, printed in Paris. The image measures 6X4 7/8 inches. Printed on a chine colle adhered to a thicker sheet of wove type paper.
"Charles Jacque 'Charles Emile Jacque': During the 1840's a most important movement began in French art. A number of painters began settling in the tiny village of Barbizon and dedicated their art to portrayals of nature and rustic life. Given that the mainstream of traditional French art was still mired in the genres of classical and historical paintings this was indeed a revolutionary step. Barbizon artists gained their inspiration from both the great landscape etchings and paintings of Rembrandt and other Dutch 17th century masters and from the contemporary landscape art of such British artists as Constable and Turner. In its turn, Barbizon etchings and paintings led the way to the beginnings of French Impressionism in the following generation.
Many of the leading artists associated with the Barbizon school were also fine etchers. Within this category one should mention such names as Corot, Millet and Daubigny. Charles Emile Jacque, however, dedicated his career to the art of etching and became the most active Barbizon artist in this field. He is thus considered a major precursor to the French etching revival of the 1860's."
