Jean-jacques Waltz, Dit Hansi, Watercolor, Alsace

Rare original watercolor by HANSI (Jean-Jacques WALTZ 1873-1951).
Signed Hansi and dated 1913.
Preparatory work in ink and watercolor for the engraving which can be found on page 3 in the book “MON VILLAGE”, the first original edition of which is dated 1913 by Editions Floury.
At first glance, the two drawings seem identical but they are not!
In front of the houses of a small Alsatian village, stretches a large meadow, the domain of the village children. On the engraving of the book we observe, in the village street, the march of a German officer imitated by a child behind him. In addition, at the bottom of the image we see two German children being chased by little Alsatians. Finally, on the facade of the building on the left, we can read SCHULE…
All of these elements referring to the German occupation are absent from the watercolor presented to you. We can think that, to increase the cartoonish side of the book, Hansi has chosen to add these elements.
Other differences exist like details in the gardens or around the church, like additions in the background or modifications in the well. These elements enrich the initial drawing.
The watercolor palette is more natural than the printed version.
The last 3 photos are photos from the book (Edition 1913).
We find in this watercolor all the magic, all the naivety of the line, all the talent and all the love of Alsace by Hansi.
The watercolor has been re-framed, frame in fruit tree.
Very good condition
Dimensions of the watercolor: 28 cm X 20.5 cm
(For reference, the illustration in the book is 27.6 cm X 19.8 cm)
Dimensions of the frame: 41 cm X 51 cm
Very rare piece for informed collector.