Le Marquisat (The Wine Press)
Original print on paper, likely an etching or engraving • B. Pasquier Desvignes
Style & Movement
Industrial Realism / Regionalist Printmaking; captures traditional French viticulture machinery with a focus on structural form
Medium & Technique
Intaglio print (etching or drypoint) featuring dense cross-hatching to create texture and shadow, with fine line work for wood grain and mechanical details
Creation Period
1975 (as inscribed on the plate)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 15 x 20 cm (image size), landscape format
Subject Description
A large, traditional wooden wine press dominated by a prominent wheel mechanism. The composition shows the heavy timber frame and screw mechanism of 'Le Marquisat'. In the background through an archway, a small silhouette of a figure holding pails adds scale and a sense of daily labor
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears well-preserved under glass with original plate marks visible and no major signs of foxing or water damage
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Inscribed 'Épreuve d'artiste' (Artist's Proof) indicating it was part of the artist's personal allocation. Likely sourced from a private French collection or a gallery specializing in regionalist prints
Art Historical Significance
Representative of mid-20th century French interest in documenting traditional agricultural heritage and the 'metier' of winemaking. It serves as both an artistic study of mechanical form and a cultural record of viticulture history
Notable Features
Signed and titled in the plate; inscribed 'Épreuve d'artiste' in graphite bottom right; includes the specific date 1975 and the localized name 'Le Marquisat'
Condition Issues
Slight yellowing of the paper consistent with age; minor reflections in the glass suggest it may benefit from anti-reflective UV glazing
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight; ensure use of acid-free matting to prevent mat burn