French Belle Époque Hunting Caricature, Mr Quiclet Chromolithograph, 1884
€ 365
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1884
Mapmaker / artist
Antoine Bisetsky, France, dated 1884
Technique
Chromolithograph (facsimile of watercolor)
Sheet size
40 × 28.5 cm (15.7 × 11.2 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14232-7
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Age-related foxing and light spotting visible primarily in margins, consistent with nineteenth-century paper. Mild overall toning and minor handling wear commensurate with age. Colors remain vivid and well preserved.
About this sheet
French Belle Époque Hunting Caricature, Mr Quiclet Chromolithograph, 1884
This lively French chromolithograph caricature depicting “Mr Quiclet” forms part of the illustrated satirical series Album Comique, produced in Paris during the late nineteenth century and attributed to the caricaturist Antoine Bisetsky (1817–1892). Executed as a facsimile after an original watercolor, the print combines refined chromolithographic technique with playful Belle Époque humor, presenting a theatrical portrait of sporting aristocracy rendered through exaggerated caricature.
The composition portrays a dramatic hunting scene, with the central figure dressed in an eccentric fur-like costume, raising a hunting knife while surrounded by game animals including deer and wild boar. The exaggerated costume and theatrical pose suggest satirical commentary on hunting culture and aristocratic identity, themes frequently explored in late nineteenth-century French illustrated satire. The dynamic arrangement of animals and the strong diagonal movement within the composition give the image an energetic visual rhythm, distinguishing it from more static portrait caricatures within the series.
Chromolithographic printing creates subtle tonal transitions and painterly color layering designed to replicate the appearance of watercolor, emphasized by the inscription “Fac-similé d’Aquarelle.” Dated “10 Octobre 1884” and marked as part of the “1ère Année” of the Album Comique series, this plate belongs to a broader group portraying figures from sporting, military, and social life. These works were originally issued individually and are now appreciated for both their decorative strength and historical character.
Decoratively, this composition stands out due to its narrative complexity and strong visual contrast between the figure’s dark costume and the surrounding landscape. The hunting theme gives it particular appeal for collectors interested in sporting imagery as well as interior designers seeking a distinctive conversation piece. Displayed individually or as part of a curated grouping, the print contributes energy and storytelling to a gallery wall arrangement.
Condition report: Age-related foxing and light spotting visible primarily in margins, consistent with nineteenth-century paper. Mild overall toning and minor handling wear commensurate with age. Colors remain vivid and well preserved.
Framing tips: A dark walnut or ebonized frame with a generous ivory or warm off-white mat enhances contrast and highlights the rich tones of the composition. Suggested mat width approximately 6–8 cm (2.5–3 inches). Museum glass recommended.
