Rousseau, Theodore (French 1812-1867). CHENES DE ROCHES. Etching, 1861. Published by Delatre in the Gazette de Beaux Artes, May 1861. Edition size not known. Identified on the label of the Museum Art Shop, Madison Avenue, NY, as a First State proof, this example is signed and inscribed in pencil by Rousseau as a presentation to the art critic Philippe Burty. The inscription reads ""Th Rousseay a Mr. Burty 22 Mai 1861." 5 1/4 x 7 1/4 inches (plate) inches (sheet). First State proofs are rare, distinguished from the second state by being less densely worked in the areas of foliage, and from the third, publsihed state, which has the printed title and the publishers stamp. The scene shows oak trees growing among rocks in the forest of Fontainbleu, and is an etching after Rousseau's painting of the same year. Framed, and with the label of the Museum Art Shop, 1080 Madison Avenue, N.Y.Provenance: from a private collection in New England formed in the 1920s. In excellent condition, in the rare first state, and, with the inscription to Burty, an exceptional association copy.
