AnimalsDogsEtching / Eau-forte / AquatintFine ArtFine Art PrintsFrench

Ludovic Lepic: Engraving of a Little Terrier Begging

Count Ludovic LEPIC

Un Intrigant – “A Little Schemer” – Eau-forte on Vergé d’Arches paper
Printed in 1875 by Veuve Cadart in Paris

A copy of the same edition of this print can be found in the collection of Geneva’s Museum of Art and History.
https://www.mahmah.ch/collection/oeuvres/un-intrigant/e-2015-0440-044

Marvelous image of a little terrier, wearing a vest, and begging.

The artist, Count Ludovic Lepic, was a good friend and artistic collaborator of Edgar Degas.

Lepic’s invented a printing process that he called “variable etchings” in which he would etch a drawing on a copper plate then make multiple individual copies by altering the way he re-wiped ink around the plate or applying different levels of pressure each time a new paper was used. Degas learned this print making method from Lepic and used it in his own work.  The technique had an important impact on modern printmaking.

Lepic learned etching from Charles Verlat and in 1862 was invited to join the Société des Aqua-fortistes (The Society of Etchers), formed by art dealer Alfred Cadart (1828-1875) who published his original etchings. Lepic’s work was exhibited in annual Salons from 1863 until 1886. (Reference: Anne Schafer)

The Cleveland Museum of Art has in its collection a portrait by Degas of Lepic in which the artist holds a Belgian Griffin. It is possible that this is a dog of the same breed. Or it may be a Yorkshire, Cairn or other terrier.

Lepic was a dog lover from childhood. As a young man he raised greyhounds, and as an adult he became known as a painter of animal subjects.

Image size 8 X 11 inches
Sheet size: 12.75 X 18 inches