About this sheet
This finely executed original antique copperplate engraving depicts the spectacular Grand Jet d'Eau at the Château de Saint-Cloud, one of the most celebrated hydraulic displays in France during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Rising dramatically above the surrounding woodland, the monumental fountain is framed by towering trees and elegant visitors strolling through the royal gardens, creating a striking contrast between the power of the water feature and the tranquility of its landscaped setting.
The Château de Saint-Cloud was one of the foremost royal residences of France, serving the Bourbon monarchy before becoming a favored palace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Its celebrated fountains, cascades, and formal gardens ranked among the finest achievements of French landscape architecture and attracted visitors from across Europe until the palace was destroyed during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870.
The engraving was created by the distinguished French architect and engraver Louis-Pierre Baltard (1764–1846) and published in Paris in 1803 as part of the celebrated Napoleonic-era publication Paris et ses Monuments, mesurés, dessinés et gravés. This monumental work documented France's architectural and landscape heritage through meticulously engraved copperplates of exceptional artistic and technical quality.
The dramatic vertical composition, framed by mature woodland and dominated by the soaring fountain, makes this one of the most atmospheric and visually striking views from the Saint-Cloud series.
This is an original antique engraving printed in 1803 and not a later reproduction. It is offered unframed. Any framed images are shown for presentation purposes only.
Year:
1803
Maker:
Louis-Pierre Baltard (1764–1846)
Publisher:
Paris
Origin:
France
Technique:
Original copperplate engraving on laid paper
Condition:
Good antique condition with age-related toning, scattered foxing, and light wear consistent with age. Please examine the photographs carefully.
Materials:
Paper, black ink
Style:
Neoclassical, Architectural, Landscape
Subject:
The Grand Water Jet (Grand Jet d'Eau) at the Château de Saint-Cloud
Keywords:
Louis-Pierre Baltard, Château de Saint-Cloud, Saint-Cloud, Grand Jet d'Eau, fountain, French gardens, palace gardens, landscape engraving, architectural engraving, antique print, copperplate engraving, Paris et ses Monuments, French architecture, Napoleonic France, royal residence, Grand Tour, original antique print, 1803, French decor, wall art