La Femme

Yesterday while cleaning the house for an unexpected photo shoot, I came across an etching that I had purchased at the Paris Flea Market in April 2011. I must have returned from my trip so anxious to not have it damaged, I stored it in a very "safe" spot and promptly got busy with my daily life and then forgot about it.

Until now!

So today I decided to do a little research on the woman with the basket.






"La Femme a la Corbeille" 1908


Edmond François Aman-Jean was born in Chevry-Cossigney (Seine et Marne). He was orphaned at the age of 10 but was taken in by an uncle in Paris. There he began his art studies in the atelier of the sculptor Justin Lequien.

In 1908 he began etching, which is when this was produced. After mastering lithograph & etching he abandoned them to embrace painting.

I liked the soft feminine feel along with the hand-on-the-hip-attitude going on. It reminds me of a Matisse.

On the front plate it says Eau de Original.

oh boy!

After doing some research I discovered that Eau de Originale means PRINT in English. Looks like a print out of a book. Eau...I mean......ewwwww!

Duh....who would of thought that that translated to Original but me?

Looks like Mr. B and I will have to go back to Paris (bummer) and return it (hint, hint)!

But then I dug a little deeper and found some French transcripts with the wording "Eau- forte Pont Seche " which is also on the front cover and translates to Drypoint Etching.

Etching....original.....drypoint.....mmmmm.....

But no matter what I have, I love my etching and it is getting framed next week.

Sorry Mr. B but you will still have to take me to France someday soon anyway or I may have to put my hands on my hips and have a little attitude as well! Oui?

Maybe my Francophile friends will have a different interpretation of which I will be very delighted to hear.....unless it says that the Flea Market cranks them out for every tourist that wanders down their alley!

If you travel to Paris it is well worth the adventure to go to the best Flea Market around, the most famous flea market in Paris is the one at Porte de Clignancourt, officially called Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, but known to everyone as Les Puces (The Fleas). It covers seven hectares and is the largest antique market in the world, receiving between 120,000 to 180,000 visitors each weekend.


Do any of you remember the I Love Lucy episode where she buys an "original" Parisian painting, only to return to her hotel room to discover Fred & Ethel bought the exact same one? Kinda reminds me if that....
I Love Lucy - Season 5, Episode 18
Paris at Last