Theodore Rousseau - Large Drawing - Rocky Landscape - 1842

Lovely drawing bearing the stamp of the sale of the studio of Théodore ROUSSEAU which took place from April 27 to May 2, 1868. We discover a landscape with rocks, dotted with trees, crossed vertically in its center by a path highlighted with white chalk.

After intensive research in this 1868 catalogue (knowing that dozens of drawings were also sold in undescribed lots), we believe we have discovered the exact subject which would be number 163 of the catalogue of the studio sale titled thus "Sentier au Fay, dans des terrains rocheux (Berri)", described as a heightened drawing measuring 28 x 44 cms (i.e. 3 cms less in width and length than our drawing, which could easily be explained by a visual measurement if it were framed or covered with a mat - moreover, in these old catalogues, from experience, we very often note inaccurate dimensions, with 1 or even several centimetres of difference with reality... let us mention that a large number of drawings in this sale did not include any measurements!).
Comparisons with the drawings of Berry made in 1842 (about twenty), referenced in the catalogue raisonné of the graphic work of ROUSSEAU, written by Michel SCHULMAN, confirm our opinion: we find there mainly works enhanced with white chalk, with similar graphics, half of them being formats close to ours. I specify that the number 167 appearing at the bottom left does not correspond to the number of the catalogue of the workshop sale (idem for other drawings listed by Michel SCHULMAN from this sale, which also bear a numbering foreign to the 1868 catalogue) . Le fay now depends on the commune of Parnac (36170) in Indre, halfway between Châteauroux and Limoges.
Théodore ROUSSEAU went there in 1842, painting and drawing the area of Fay, Vigoux, Roussines...

We find on the market many drawings by Théodore ROUSSEAU either in poor condition, or measuring 10-15 cms or in sketch form, this one, quite accomplished and of an appreciable format, represents a great opportunity for collectors !!

Black pencil, stump and white chalk highlights on bistre paper, glued to cardboard

31 x 47 cms (at sight 30.5 x 46.5 cms - with high quality 20th century frame and protective glass approximately 63 x 78 cms)

Stamp of the monogram "THR" at the bottom left (referenced Lugt number N° 2436)
Numbered 167 at the bottom left
Annotated "Théodore ROUSSEAU" at the bottom left, under the drawing (inscription now covered by the mat for a better presentation of the work)

Very beautiful presentation, no tears, no folds...presence of small scattered foxing (frequent on a paper support of almost 200 years)

Photos taken outdoors, in sunlight (except the last one, in the shade)

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