Le Petit Paresseus
Engraving with aquatint
Engraved by Jazet (1788-1871) after a painting by Esteban Murillo
Printed by Dominque Jouy
Mid 19th century
12.125 x 9.75 in / 30,8 x 24,8 cm
Framed: 23.25 x 17 in / 59 x 43 cm

Provenance:
Private Collection, Paris
By descent to current owner

This print, titled “Le Petit Paresseus” is an engraving of what is considered to be Spanish painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo’s most famous genre painting. This type of content would focus on the lives of ordinary people in everyday situations and seemed to appeal to some specific types of patrons during the 17th century. Also known as The Lice-Ridden Boy due to the figure of a young boy delousing himself in the painting, The Young Beggar is the first known depiction of a street urchin by Murillo. An impression of this engraving was found listed in a Rudolph Weigel Kunstauction catalogue of January 16, 1860.

Condition/Comment: Age toned; verso exhibits overall discoloration from acid burn not visible on recto

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Notice to bidders: More detailed condition reports and additional photographs are available by request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in excellent condition. Please message us through the online bidding platform or call Guernsey's at 212-794-2280 to request a more thorough condition report. Notwithstanding any condition report or discussion concerning a lot, all lots are offered and sold “as is” in accordance with the condition of sale.