Gabonnais

Artist: Léon Pâris (1847–1900)
Technique: Etching
Date: c. 1875
Dimensions: 290 × 225 mm (framed)

This is an original etching, not a digitally printed copy. Bought in France. Framed in Cape Town.

This depiction of “Gabonese types” first appeared in the 1873 edition of L'Illustration nouvelle, an annual showcase of the art of etching published by Alfred Cadart (1828–1875), where it includes well-lettered, deeply bitten text below the image proper. The more casually inscribed version here is likely from Souvenir de la Bellone, 1870–71–72, a rarer folio of Léon Pâris’ etchings depicting life on board a French frigate with scenes from West Africa, especially Senegal.

We used a handmade Nepalese lokta paper as backing for this image.