The Moles, 1854
Félix Bracquemondexpand_more
Etchingexpand_more
The William M. Ladd Collection Gift of Herschel V. Jones, 1916expand_more P.1,812
Not on Viewexpand_more
Bracquemond reportedly kept moles in a terrarium, but those weren’t the models for this print. Rather, the artist found a stick with ten dead moles attached and took it home to depict in an etching. Clearly he delighted in the lifeless shapes, which recall the silhouetted Japanese designs he admired. The verse can be translated as “The hanged mole dances / On the poplar’s arm / The mole-catcher prances / To get a reward from the farm.”
The Moles was printed by Auguste Delâtre, the most sought-after printer of the era. Even so, Bracquemond wanted control over every impression. In 1856, having finally convinced a wary French government that he would not print political caricatures, he was granted permission to buy his own press.
Details
- Title
- The Moles
- Artist Life
- 1833–1914
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.1,812
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Beraldi 134 iii/iv
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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