Chiseled Tripod by Gouthière - Jules Ferdinand Jacquemart

A detailed etching by Jules Ferdinand Jacquemart depicting a Neoclassical tripod, originally crafted by the renowned bronzier Pierre Gouthière.

This etching by Jules Ferdinand Jacquemart captures a Neoclassical tripod, a masterwork attributed to the celebrated 18th-century bronzier Pierre Gouthière. Jacquemart, a skilled printmaker, gained recognition for his ability to translate the tactile qualities of metal, stone, and enamel into the medium of etching. His work often documented the holdings of private collectors and museums, providing a precise visual record of decorative objects.

The tripod depicted features a central vessel supported by three slender, upright legs. A serpent coils around the central axis, adding a dynamic element to the rigid geometry of the stand. The upper portion is adorned with swags of fruit and foliage, rendered with fine, precise lines that mimic the texture of cast bronze. The base rests upon a circular plinth, likely fashioned from marble or porphyry, which provides a solid foundation for the lighter metalwork above.

Jacquemart employs a refined etching technique to differentiate between the smooth, reflective surfaces of the metal and the mottled, porous appearance of the stone base. The composition is balanced and symmetrical, reflecting the formal rigour of the Neoclassical period. By focusing on the material properties of the object, the artist invites the viewer to appreciate the craftsmanship of the original metalwork. This print serves as an example of 19th-century efforts to catalogue and preserve the history of decorative arts through high-quality reproduction. The clarity of the line work and the attention to shadow allow the form of the tripod to emerge from the page with a sense of three-dimensional presence.