View near Cherbourg, from "L'Artiste"

Art Historical Context

**View near Cherbourg, fromL'Artiste*** Eugène Cicéri, prominent French lithographer of the Romantic era, captures the rugged coastal beauty near Cherbourg, a strategic port in Normandy, in this 1849 print. Published in the influential art periodical *L'Artiste* on September 15, Cicéri's work reflects the mid-19th-century fascination picturesque landscapes, blending precise topographical detail with atmospheric drama. Printed by the renowned Lemercier & Cie firm, it exemplifies how lithography democratized access to fine art during France's Second Republic, a time of upheaval and cultural flourishing. The medium—lithograph on chine collé—is key to its allure. Drawn on stone for fluid lines and tonal subtlety, the delicate image is mounted on thin Chinese paper adhered to a sturdy support, allowing vibrant inks and intricate textures without tearing. This technique, popular among 19th-century printmakers, enhanced reproducibility while preserving an intimate, painterly quality. At 9 13/16 × 12 5/8 inches, it's perfectly scaled for magazine readers, bridging elite art with everyday appreciation. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (gift of Mrs. Frederick S. Hoppin, 1963), this piece highlights lithography's role in shaping public taste and preserving vanishing vistas amid industrialization. A window into Romantic wanderlust!

About the Artist

Eugène Cicéri|Lemercier & Cie. · 1813–1890

Étienne Eugène Cicéri (1813-1890) was a French painter, lithographer, and theatrical designer who became a notable figure in the Barbizon School movement. Born in Paris on January 27, 1813, into an illustrious artistic family, he was the son of renowned scenographer Pierre-Luc-Charles Cicéri and the nephew of painter Eugène Isabey. Cicéri occupies an important position in 19th-century French land...